Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has reunited with his family after spending 11 months in custody in connection with a 2022 shooting incident.
Videos circulating online captured the emotional moment Velasquez returned home on Sunday following his release on parole. He was seen stepping off a shuttle to embrace his children, while a mariachi band performed, creating a celebratory atmosphere to mark his homecoming.
Velasquez had entered a no contest plea to charges stemming from a February 2022 shooting. Authorities alleged he fired at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, who had been accused of molesting a member of Velasquez’s family. Goularte continues to face a felony charge of lewd acts with a minor, and Velasquez has reportedly filed a separate civil lawsuit against him.
Although Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison, he was credited for time previously served in county jail after his arrest, as well as time spent under house arrest before his 2024 trial.
During the legal proceedings, Velasquez drew support from members of the UFC community. UFC CEO Dana White reportedly wrote to the court describing him as a “model example of how a professional athlete should carry himself.”
His release signals a fresh start for the former champion, who had already stepped back from active competition prior to the incident.
