UFC Legend Cain Velasquez Released From Prison After Controversial 2022 Shooting

The former two-time UFC heavyweight champion was freed after serving 11 months for a shooting incident involving his son's alleged molester.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cain Velasquez, the former two-time UFC heavyweight champion, was released from prison on Sunday after serving 11 months behind bars for a controversial 2022 shooting incident. Velasquez was sentenced to 5 years in prison in March 2025 after being convicted of attempted murder and other charges related to the shooting, which occurred during an 11-mile high-speed chase with Harry Goularte, who Velasquez accused of molesting his 4-year-old son.

Why it matters

Velasquez's case sparked widespread outrage within the MMA community, with many arguing that he was justified in his actions to protect his child. The incident has also raised questions about the criminal justice system's handling of cases involving alleged child molestation and the rights of parents to take matters into their own hands.

The details

In the 2022 incident, Velasquez fired several shots through his windshield from a .40-caliber handgun during the chase into a car carrying Goularte, Goularte's mother, and Goularte's stepfather, Paul Bender. Bender suffered non-life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound to his arm. Velasquez initially faced 10 felony charges, including attempted murder, but he pleaded no contest to all charges. Goularte currently awaits trial on a felony charge of lewd acts with a minor.

  • Velasquez was sentenced to 5 years in prison on March 24, 2025.
  • Velasquez spent nearly 1 year incarcerated following the 2022 incident, as well as nearly 2 years on house arrest with an ankle monitor.
  • Goularte's trial is scheduled to begin on March 9.

The players

Cain Velasquez

A former two-time UFC heavyweight champion who was convicted of attempted murder and other charges related to a 2022 shooting incident involving his son's alleged molester.

Harry Goularte

The man accused of molesting Velasquez's 4-year-old son on multiple occasions, which led to the 2022 shooting incident.

Paul Bender

Goularte's stepfather, who was shot in the arm during the 2022 shooting incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What I did was not correct. I understand that. I paid and I'll pay whatever else as far as what I have to do to pay all that back. I don't think I can pay that back, but I can always learn from my mistakes and help others. It's just information that you never know anybody. Trust your kids. Have that open communication with your kids.”

— Cain Velasquez

“The way that I handled things was not the way to do it. We cannot put the law in our own hands.”

— Cain Velasquez

What’s next

Goularte's trial is scheduled to begin on March 9, which could have further implications for Velasquez's case.

The takeaway

Velasquez's case has highlighted the complex issues surrounding child molestation allegations and the rights of parents to protect their children. While his actions were controversial, his release from prison after 11 months has sparked renewed discussions about the criminal justice system's handling of such sensitive cases.