Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez says he is adjusting to life outside prison and focusing on rebuilding his routine after being released on parole last month.
In a video message posted to Instagram on Wednesday, Velasquez thanked supporters who stood by him during the legal battle that followed a 2022 shooting incident in Northern California. The former fighter described the transition back to everyday life as gradual but meaningful.
“I’ll keep doing the work to get back to everyone,” Velasquez said in the message, his first public statement since leaving prison. He explained that he is easing back into a normal rhythm after years of legal proceedings and confinement.
Velasquez said he did not want to rush the adjustment process.
“Just slowly get back out there,” he said. “I didn’t want to overwhelm myself with the pace of life that I was getting used to, to now all of the sudden a new way of life. A new way of living. A new rhythm.”
The case that led to Velasquez’s imprisonment began on February 28, 2022. Prosecutors alleged that the former UFC champion pursued a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, the man accused of molesting Velasquez’s young son at a daycare facility. Authorities say Velasquez fired several shots at the vehicle during the chase, striking Goularte’s stepfather.
Velasquez later reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, apologizing for his actions as part of the deal. The court sentenced him to five years in prison.
However, Velasquez ultimately served far less time behind bars. He was credited with more than 1,000 days already served due to the lengthy period he spent in custody and under house arrest while awaiting trial in 2024. That credit allowed him to qualify for parole roughly four weeks ago, less than a year into the official sentence.
Since returning home, Velasquez said he has been focused on reconnecting with his family and adjusting to everyday routines.
“Just doing the normal things,” he said. “Being home with the family. Being there for my kids.”
He also used the video message to express gratitude to fans who offered encouragement during the difficult period.
“I just wanted to thank everybody for their love and support,” Velasquez said.
Meanwhile, the criminal case against Harry Goularte remains unresolved. Goularte has been charged with felony lewd acts with a minor related to allegations that he abused Velasquez’s son. He has pleaded not guilty and is still awaiting trial.
As Velasquez continues his transition back into public life, the former champion appears focused on family and rebuilding stability after a legal saga that dramatically altered the course of his life and career.
