Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was released on parole Sunday, February 15, 2026, after serving time for charges related to a 2022 shooting incident. The release marks a fresh chapter for the mixed martial arts star, who has already announced plans to focus on personal growth and community engagement, including a planned holotropic breathing seminar in the San Jose area.
Velasquez, 43, shared the news of his release and upcoming seminar plans via his Instagram account over the weekend. The seminar, according to Velasquez, will center on holotropic breathing techniques – a form of therapy aimed at mental and emotional wellbeing – offering participants tools for stress release and clarity. The announcement signals a shift in focus for Velasquez following a tumultuous period and his departure from professional fighting.
The planned seminar is envisioned as a limited-capacity, paid event, offering attendees not only guided breathing sessions but also a personal meet-and-greet, a Q&A session, a group photo opportunity, and a chance for open conversation with Velasquez. He is currently gauging public interest through social media before finalizing details regarding dates and location.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Velasquez’s legal troubles stemmed from an incident in February 2022 in Santa Clara County, where he pursued and fired at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte. Goularte was accused of sexually abusing Velasquez’s then-4-year-old son while at a daycare facility. According to reports from ABC7 News, Goularte’s stepfather was injured during the chase, sustaining gunshot wounds to the arm and torso, though they were not life-threatening.
Velasquez initially pleaded not guilty, but later pleaded no contest in August 2024 to charges including attempted murder, felony assault with a firearm, and shooting at a motor vehicle. He was sentenced to five years in prison in March 2025, but received credit for time already served in custody and under house arrest – a total of 1,283 days – which ultimately made him eligible for parole in early 2026, as reported by ESPN.
A Storied Career Interrupted
Before his legal issues, Velasquez enjoyed a highly successful career in mixed martial arts. He became a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, notably defeating Brock Lesnar in October 2010 to claim the undisputed title, as detailed in his Wikipedia profile. Velasquez competed out of the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California, and retired from MMA in 2019 before briefly transitioning to professional wrestling with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and WWE.
His time with WWE was cut short in April 2020 due to budget cuts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout his career, Velasquez was known for his relentless pressure and dominant wrestling skills, earning him a reputation as one of the most formidable heavyweights in UFC history.
As Velasquez embarks on this new phase of his life, his focus appears to be on healing and helping others. The planned holotropic breathing seminar represents a significant step in that direction, offering a platform for him to share tools and techniques that have aided his own personal journey. The next steps for Velasquez will likely involve finalizing the details of the seminar and continuing to rebuild his life following his incarceration.
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