Summary
Velasquez at an event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/CainVelasquez
After a long ten months in jail for attempted murder, Cain Velazquez He finally managed to change the course of his story. In February, the former heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg) became a free man again and, last Thursday (12), made his first statement. As could not be otherwise, the American showed himself relieved and happy with the new phase of his journey.
On his official Instagram account, Velasquez detailed the process of returning to normalcy and made a point of thanking all the support and affection he received from fans during the worst phase of his life. And the former UFC champion's gratitude is understandable. After the former fighter was arrested in 2022, fans and MMA professionals created the #FreeCain campaign, believing that he was unjustly imprisoned.
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Dana White also stepped in and appealed to US authorities to pardon the veteran. It's true that the effort to secure Velasquez's release was in vain, but it was extremely important for him, his family, and friends to remain strong and hopeful for better days. Having never been abandoned, the veteran highlighted the importance of his support network and celebrated his long-awaited freedom.
“Now that a few weeks have passed since my release, I’ve had some time to readjust to things, to return to a normal life. To get used to doing normal things, being at home with my family, with my children. I just wanted to thank everyone for their affection and support. Your words of inspiration and encouragement have always lifted me up,” said the MMA legend.
"I just wanted to take this moment to thank everyone for their constant support. You have no idea what your words, your encouragement, and your love have meant to me and my family. Just thank you. I will continue to strive to reconnect with everyone. Now, for myself, I will gradually return."
“I didn’t want to burden myself with the pace of life I was getting used to, only to suddenly have to adapt to a new lifestyle, a new rhythm. I needed to get used to it, and I have been doing so. Once again, just thank you, thank you all. It’s good to be free,” he concluded.
Understand the case
In 2022, Cain Velazquez He was charged with attempted murder, assault, and illegal possession of a firearm after a high-speed chase and shooting at a car carrying Harry Goularte, a man accused of sexually abusing his son at a daycare, but ended up hitting a member of Goularte's family, causing non-fatal injuries. At trial, the former UFC champion pleaded guilty, did not contest the charges, and received a five-year sentence.
Parole
It's true that Cain could have appealed for parole in March, but it ended up being granted earlier. It's worth noting that the former UFC champion had already served a long prison sentence (eight months) before being released on bail and placed under house arrest, monitored by an electronic ankle bracelet.
After returning to prison in March 2025, Velasquez, ten months later, said goodbye to the institution. In fact, the end of his incarceration was only possible because the former boxer had already served part of his sentence (1.283 days), due to his good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs.
Next step
Despite his release on Sunday, Velasquez still has obligations to fulfill with the justice system. The MMA legend will have to appear in court in March for a restitution hearing that was previously postponed. At that hearing, the former UFC champion will likely have to compensate Goularte's family for putting their lives at risk.
Velasquez's fighters in MMA
Cain VelazquezThe 43-year-old made his mark in MMA as the UFC heavyweight champion. So much so that the American is still remembered today for his period of dominance in the category and is considered by many to be the best fighter in its history. The professional began his career in the sport in 2006 and fought his last fight in 2019.
In this sport, Velasquez built a record of 14 wins, 12 by knockout, and three losses. His main victories were against... Antonio Pezão (twice), Brock Lesnar, junior gypsy (twice), Rodrigo Minotauro and Travis Browne.
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