Former UFC Fighter Cain Velasquez Released From Prison

Velasquez pleaded no contest to attempted murder charges after 2022 shooting incident in South Bay

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Former UFC fighter Cain Velasquez was released from Soledad Correctional Training Facility in California on Sunday after serving a portion of a five-year sentence for attempted murder and other charges related to a 2022 shooting incident in the South Bay area.

Why it matters

Velasquez's case drew significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the former UFC champion and the circumstances around the shooting, which involved allegations of child molestation against a relative.

The details

Velasquez pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to five years in prison. He received credit for time already served and good behavior, leading to his early release from the Soledad Correctional Training Facility.

  • Velasquez was released from prison on Sunday, February 17, 2026.
  • Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison in 2022 for the shooting incident.

The players

Cain Velasquez

A former UFC fighter who was released from prison after serving a portion of a five-year sentence for attempted murder and other charges related to a 2022 shooting incident in the South Bay area.

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The takeaway

Velasquez's release from prison highlights the complex issues surrounding criminal justice, mental health, and the protection of vulnerable individuals that can arise in high-profile cases involving allegations of serious crimes.