Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez released from prison after 2022 shooting, attempted murder of man molesting his son

SOLEDAD, Calif. (KGO) — Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was released from a prison in Soledad, California, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed to 7 Eyewitness News in San Francisco on Sunday.

In 2025, he was sentenced to five years in prison for attempted murder, which included three years time served while awaiting sentencing. CDCR says he was also eligible for credit-earning opportunities while incarcerated, and had served “his full sentence as defined by law.”

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In February 2022, Velasquez was accused of shooting at a man during a high-speed 11-mile car chase in Morgan Hill.

The person he chased, Harry Goularte, was accused of molesting Velasquez’s 4-year-old son at the time while at a daycare. Goularte’s mother, who runs the daycare, and his stepfather were inside the vehicle during the chase. Goularte’s stepfather was shot and injured.

Goularte faced a felony charge in the case, and pleaded not guilty.

According to KGO-TV’s media partner, The San Jose Mercury News, Goularte’s case is still pending and court records show a trial setting hearing scheduled for April 15.

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Velasquez pleaded no contest in 2024.

Cain Velasquez told the judge during his March 2025 sentencing, he completely agreed with whatever the judge’s sentencing sees fit. He called his actions reckless and dangerous. And said that he was truly sorry.

7 Eyewitness News reached out to his defense attorney, Renee Hessling, and she said, Velazquez is not available for a statement at this time.