UFC Champ Cain Velasquez Released from Prison Early

Velasquez plans to host a breathwork seminar after his release on February 15, 2026.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez is being released from prison today, February 15, 2026, several months earlier than his original release date. Velasquez was arrested in 2022 for engaging in a high-speed car chase and firing a gun multiple times at a vehicle containing a man he accused of molesting his son. After a lengthy legal process, Velasquez reached an agreement with prosecutors that resulted in a 5-year prison sentence with 4 years of supervised parole. Velasquez plans to host a one-day Holotropic Breathing Seminar in the San Jose area upon his release.

Why it matters

Velasquez's early release from prison is a significant development, as he was initially facing the possibility of a life sentence for the 2022 shooting incident. The case has highlighted the complex issues surrounding vigilante justice and the legal system's handling of allegations of child molestation.

The details

In February 2022, Velasquez engaged in a high-speed car chase and fired multiple shots into a vehicle containing Harry Goularte Jr., a man Velasquez accused of molesting his son. Goularte was not shot, but his stepfather was. Velasquez was charged with attempted murder and several other counts, but after a drawn-out legal process, he reached an agreement with prosecutors that resulted in a 5-year prison sentence with 4 years of supervised parole. Velasquez's original release date was listed as March 2026, but it appears that timeline has been moved up, and he is now being released today, February 15, 2026.

  • On February 28, 2022, Velasquez engaged in the high-speed car chase and shooting incident.
  • Velasquez's trial and sentencing process lasted several years.
  • Velasquez's original release date was listed as March 2026.
  • Velasquez is being released from prison today, February 15, 2026.

The players

Cain Velasquez

A two-time UFC heavyweight champion who was arrested in 2022 for engaging in a high-speed car chase and shooting incident.

Harry Goularte Jr.

The man Velasquez accused of molesting his son, who was not shot but whose stepfather was during the 2022 incident.

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What they’re saying

“After my release on February 15th, I'm exploring the idea of hosting a one-day Holotropic Breathing Seminar in the San Jose area. Breathwork has been a powerful tool for me - physically, mentally, and spiritually - and I'd like to share it with others in a focused, intentional setting.”

— Cain Velasquez (Instagram)

What’s next

Harry Goularte Jr.'s trial for one felony charge of lewd acts with a minor under 14 years old is set to start on March 9, 2026. A civil suit launched by Velasquez's family is also in motion.

The takeaway

Velasquez's early release from prison is a significant development in a case that has highlighted the complex issues surrounding vigilante justice and the legal system's handling of allegations of child molestation. The case will continue to be closely watched as Goularte's trial and the civil suit progress.