Former UFC Champion Cain Velasquez Released on Parole

Velasquez spent 11 months in prison for a 2022 shooting incident related to child molestation allegations.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was released on parole from California state prison on Sunday, after spending the last 11 months in custody. Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison in March 2025 after pleading no contest to charges related to a shooting that took place in February 2022, where he chased after and repeatedly shot at the vehicle of a man accused of molesting his 4-year-old son.

Why it matters

Velasquez's case sparked a national conversation about the complex issues surrounding child abuse allegations and the lengths some parents may go to in order to protect their children. His release on parole raises questions about the criminal justice system's approach to such sensitive cases.

The details

Velasquez, 43, was granted $1 million bail and placed on house arrest in November 2022. The charges stemmed from an incident in which Velasquez chased after and repeatedly shot at the vehicle of Harry Goularte, a man accused of molesting Velasquez's 4-year-old son. Goularte's father, who was with him in the vehicle, was shot and injured during the 11-mile chase.

  • Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison in March 2025.
  • Velasquez was granted $1 million bail and placed on house arrest in November 2022.
  • Velasquez was released on parole from California state prison on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Cain Velasquez

A former UFC heavyweight champion who was sentenced to prison for a 2022 shooting incident related to child molestation allegations against another man.

Harry Goularte

A man accused of molesting Velasquez's 4-year-old son, which led to the 2022 shooting incident that resulted in Velasquez's imprisonment.

Dana White

The CEO of the UFC, who offered public support for Velasquez and described him as a "model example of how a professional athlete should carry himself."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Following his arrest, the UFC offered its public support of Velasquez, including a letter from CEO Dana White to the court, which described him as a "model example of how a professional athlete should carry himself.”

— Dana White, CEO, UFC (ESPN)

What’s next

Velasquez has also filed a civil case against Goularte, and the criminal case against Goularte for the alleged molestation of Velasquez's son is ongoing.

The takeaway

Velasquez's case highlights the complex and emotional issues surrounding child abuse allegations and the lengths some parents may go to in order to protect their children. His release on parole raises questions about the criminal justice system's approach to such sensitive cases and the balance between justice and compassion.