Cain Velasquez: Jail, Son, Wife, What Happened, Full Story and WWE Career

Cain Velasquez is a former UFC heavyweight champion whose career and personal life became the subject of worldwide attention following a controversial 2022 shooting incident. The American-Mexican MMA star was arrested after pursuing a vehicle carrying a man accused of sexually abusing his young son.

The incident led to attempted murder and firearm-related charges, a lengthy legal battle, and ultimately a five-year prison sentence in March 2025. However, Velasquez was released on parole on February 15, 2026, after receiving credit for time already served.

His story involves much more than his criminal case. Fans also want to know about his son, wife Michelle, family life, fighting career, and connection with WWE.

Here is everything to know about Cain Velasquez, including why he went to jail, what happened to his son, and where his life stands today.

Who Is Cain Velasquez?

Former UFC heavyweight champion and professional wrestler

Cain Velasquez became one of the most recognizable heavyweight fighters in mixed martial arts. He was particularly famous for his wrestling ability, powerful punches, stamina, and aggressive fighting style.

He competed in the UFC and won the heavyweight championship twice. After retiring from MMA in 2019, he explored professional wrestling, appearing for AAA and WWE.

However, his 2022 legal case significantly changed the direction of his life.

Why Did Cain Velasquez Go to Jail?

Cain Velasquez went to jail because of a shooting incident that happened on February 28, 2022, in California.

The incident involved Harry Goularte, a man accused of sexually abusing Velasquez’s four-year-old son at a daycare facility.

According to reports, Velasquez was deeply distressed by the allegations involving his child. Goularte had been arrested but was released while the criminal case against him continued.

Velasquez then pursued a vehicle carrying Goularte and members of his family during a high-speed chase.

During the pursuit, Velasquez fired multiple shots at the vehicle. However, he did not hit Goularte. Instead, one of the bullets struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, who suffered injuries.

The incident put several people at risk, including other members of the public.

Police arrested Velasquez, and prosecutors filed serious charges against him, including attempted murder and assault-related firearm offenses.

Although the allegations involving his son were central to the incident, the shooting itself became a separate criminal case against the former UFC champion.

How Long Was Cain Velasquez in Jail?

Cain Velasquez spent several years dealing with his legal case, including time in county jail, house arrest, and state prison.

Initially, he was denied bail. However, in November 2022, a judge granted him $1 million bail, allowing him to leave custody under strict conditions.

His legal situation changed significantly in August 2024, when he pleaded no contest to the charges.

In March 2025, the court sentenced him to five years in prison. The sentence included credit for the substantial time he had already spent in custody.

He subsequently reported to prison to serve the remaining portion of his sentence.

Cain Velasquez Jail and Prison Timeline

According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Velasquez received 1,283 days of presentence credit. His release came after he served his legally defined sentence, including applicable credits.

Is Cain Velasquez Still in Jail?

No. Cain Velasquez is no longer in jail or prison.

He was released from a California prison on February 15, 2026, and placed under parole supervision.

His release followed his five-year sentence for the 2022 shooting case. Although he was originally expected to remain incarcerated longer, credit for time served and participation in rehabilitative programs helped bring his release date forward.

Following his release, Velasquez returned home to his family and began adjusting to everyday life outside prison.

In March 2026, he publicly discussed his return home and thanked supporters who had encouraged him and his family throughout the difficult period.

What Happened to Cain Velasquez’s Son?

Cain Velasquez’s son became central to the events that led to his father’s arrest.

In 2022, allegations emerged that Harry Goularte had sexually abused Velasquez’s four-year-old son at a daycare facility. The daycare was operated by Goularte’s family.

The allegations deeply affected Velasquez and his family. Reports indicated that the family had raised concerns and sought help through the legal system before the shooting occurred.

Goularte faced separate criminal proceedings related to the allegations and pleaded not guilty.

It is important to distinguish between allegations and proven facts. The accusations against Goularte were not the charges for which Velasquez was imprisoned.

Velasquez’s decision to pursue the vehicle and fire his weapon resulted in his own criminal conviction.

The case also raised broader questions about parental anger, child protection, and taking matters into one’s own hands rather than allowing the legal process to proceed.

Who Is Cain Velasquez’s Wife?

Michelle stood alongside Cain during an extremely difficult period for their family.

The 2022 shooting case brought significant public attention to their personal lives. His arrest, court appearances, prison sentence, and eventual release were difficult developments for the entire family.

Cain has two children with Michelle, including the son whose allegations became central to the 2022 incident.

The couple generally keeps their children’s personal information away from public attention.

How Many Children Does Cain Velasquez Have?

Cain Velasquez has two children with his wife, Michelle.

They have a daughter, born in 2009, and a son, born in 2018.

His son was approximately four years old when the alleged daycare abuse occurred in 2022.

Velasquez has frequently been described as a family-oriented person. His son’s situation became a major turning point in his life and eventually led to the incident that resulted in his imprisonment.

What Is Cain Velasquez’s WWE Story?

Cain Velasquez also had a connection with professional wrestling.

After establishing himself as one of the UFC’s leading heavyweight fighters, he decided to explore a career in professional wrestling in 2019.

He initially appeared for Mexico’s AAA promotion before joining WWE.

His arrival generated considerable attention because of his previous rivalry with Brock Lesnar.

Cain Velasquez vs Brock Lesnar in WWE

One of the biggest moments of Velasquez’s wrestling career came at WWE Crown Jewel in October 2019.

He faced Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship.

The rivalry attracted attention because Lesnar and Velasquez had already fought in the UFC. Velasquez had defeated Lesnar in October 2010 to capture the UFC heavyweight championship.

However, their WWE match had a different outcome.

Lesnar defeated Velasquez by submission and retained the WWE Championship.

The match was an important crossover moment between MMA and professional wrestling.

Why Did Cain Velasquez Leave WWE?

Cain Velasquez’s WWE career was relatively short.

He joined the promotion in 2019, but WWE released him in April 2020 during a period of budget cuts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

He subsequently remained connected to professional wrestling through appearances for AAA.

His later criminal case also affected his ability to participate in wrestling events.

What Is Cain Velasquez Doing Now in 2026?

Cain Velasquez’s life entered a new phase after his February 2026 prison release.

Rather than immediately returning to the spotlight, he has focused on rebuilding his personal life and reconnecting with his family.

His first public comments after leaving prison reflected his appreciation for the support he received during his incarceration.

More recently, reports have described him returning to mentoring and teaching fighters at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose.

In August 2026, he also spoke about personal growth, forgiveness, and learning from his mistakes. His focus has increasingly shifted toward helping others and rebuilding his life.

Cain Velasquez’s UFC Career and Achievements

Before his legal troubles, Cain Velasquez was considered one of the most successful heavyweight fighters of his generation.

He developed his wrestling skills at Arizona State University before transitioning into professional mixed martial arts.

He made his UFC debut in 2008 and quickly established himself as a major contender.

Some of his most important career achievements include:

• Winning the UFC heavyweight championship twice.

• Defeating Brock Lesnar in October 2010.

• Defeating Junior dos Santos in their December 2012 rematch to regain the heavyweight title.

• Successfully defending the championship against Junior dos Santos in their third fight.

• Defeating several notable heavyweight opponents, including Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira and Travis Browne.

His professional MMA record was 14 wins and 3 losses.

Velasquez retired from MMA in 2019, bringing an end to a remarkable fighting career.

What Was Cain Velasquez Accused of in the Shooting Case?

The shooting case involved several serious criminal allegations.

Prosecutors accused Velasquez of pursuing a vehicle and firing shots at its occupants. The intended target was Harry Goularte, but Paul Bender was injured.

The case included charges involving attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and assault with a deadly weapon.

In August 2024, Velasquez pleaded no contest to the charges. This meant he did not contest the charges rather than entering a conventional guilty plea after trial.

The court eventually sentenced him to five years in prison in March 2025.

He was also subject to restrictions following the conviction, including a prohibition on possessing firearms and a protective order restricting contact with Goularte and his family.

Cain Velasquez Latest News: What Did He Say About the Incident?

In October 2026, Velasquez attracted renewed attention after discussing the 2022 shooting incident during an interview on The Shawn Ryan Show.

He described the emotional circumstances surrounding his son’s allegations and explained how he reacted after learning that Goularte had been released under supervision.

Velasquez reflected on the high-speed pursuit, saying that he had reached a point where he was not thinking clearly about the consequences.

He also acknowledged that other people could have been hurt during the incident.

His comments brought renewed attention to the case and the personal consequences of his actions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Cain Velasquez still in jail?

No. He was released from a California prison on February 15, 2026, and is serving parole supervision.

2. Why did Cain Velasquez go to prison?

He was imprisoned after pleading no contest to charges arising from a 2022 shooting incident involving a vehicle carrying a man accused of abusing his son.

3. How long was Cain Velasquez sentenced to?

He received a five-year prison sentence in March 2025, with credit for time already served.

4. Who is Cain Velasquez’s wife?

His wife’s name is Michelle Velasquez.

5. Does Cain Velasquez have a son?

Yes. He has two children, a daughter and a son. His son was four years old when the allegations that led to the 2022 incident emerged.

6. What happened to Cain Velasquez in WWE?

He joined WWE in 2019 and faced Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship at Crown Jewel. Lesnar won the match.

7. Did Cain Velasquez defeat Brock Lesnar?

Yes. Velasquez defeated Lesnar in their October 2010 UFC heavyweight championship fight. However, Lesnar defeated him in their 2019 WWE match.

8. Is Cain Velasquez returning to WWE?

There is no confirmed WWE return announcement in the available reporting. His professional wrestling future remains uncertain.

Conclusion

Cain Velasquez’s story is one of sporting success, family struggles, legal consequences, and personal challenges. He became a two-time UFC heavyweight champion and later entered WWE, but the 2022 shooting incident dramatically changed his career and personal life.

After receiving a five-year prison sentence in 2025, he was released on parole in February 2026. He is now focused on rebuilding his life, spending time with his family, and moving forward from the difficult experiences that changed his future.

His story remains an important reminder that even understandable emotions must not lead to dangerous actions that put innocent people at risk.