Cain Velasquez 's legal situation may take a turn in the coming days. The former UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg), who has been detained for 312 days, recently had his name added to the list of prisoners eligible for release.
According to California Incarcerated Records, the former boxer has become eligible for parole. There is now a possibility that the American could leave prison in February 2026.
🚨 Cain Velasquez is now eligible for parole
He has been in prison for 312 DAYS and has a parole eligibility date of February 2026
He could be a free man THIS MONTH 👏
—via California Incarcerated Records pic.twitter.com/ikz8jZBw1v
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) February 2, 2026
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Why is Cain Velasquez in prison?
The incident dates back to March 2022, when Cain Velasquez was charged with attempted murder and other firearm-related crimes following a car chase. At the time, the former fighter allegedly shot at a man accused of sexually abusing his four-year-old son, but missed his target and hit the suspect's stepfather instead. Three years later, in March 2025, the MMA icon was sentenced to five years in prison, plus four years of supervised probation.
Cain Velasquez's UFC numbers
Cain Velasquez is a former UFC heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Cain built a historic career in the UFC, where he became a two-time heavyweight champion and is known for his aggressive style, exceptional physical conditioning, and rivalry with names like Junior Cigano . Velasquez has a record of 14 wins and three losses in his professional MMA career.
The former champion retired from MMA in 2019, hanging up his gloves after a loss to Francis Ngannou . The American then transitioned to professional wrestling, competing for 'Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide' and WWE.
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