Cain Velasquez shares emotional message weeks after prison release

Cain Velasquez made it clear Wednesday he’s thrilled to no longer be behind bars.

In a video message he posted to his Instagram page, the UFC legend — who was released from prison four weeks ago — thanked all of his fans for their support throughout the past few years and said he’s been enjoying his time as a newly free man.

“I’ll keep doing the work to get back to everyone,” Velasquez said in his first public statement since his release. “And just for myself now, just slowly get back out there without — I didn’t want to overwhelm myself with the pace of life that I was getting used to, to now all of the sudden a new way of life. A new way of living. A new rhythm. 

“So for myself, I just had to kind of get used to it. And I’ve been doing that. So, again, just thank you, thank everyone. And it’s good to be out.”

Velasquez was sentenced to prison in March 2025, after he shot at a day care worker, Harry Goularte, who had been accused of molesting his young son.

Prosecutors claimed the incident happened on Feb. 28, 2022 in Northern California, alleging Velasquez chased down a vehicle with Goularte in it, opened fire, and struck Goularte’s stepfather.

Velasquez agreed to a plea deal to close out the case, apologized for his behavior, and was ordered to spend five years locked behind bars.

He was eventually released on parole last month, less than a year into the sentence, after he was reportedly credited with over 1,000 days served, which included time spent on house arrest and in jail in the leadup to his 2024 trial.

Velasquez said in his video message he’s been getting used to “just doing the normal things” since he’s been out.

“Being home with the family,” he said. “Being there for my kids. And I just wanted to thank everybody for their love and support.”

Goularte, meanwhile, is facing a felony charge of lewd acts with a minor over the accusations he abused Velasquez’s son, and is still awaiting trial in the case.

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