Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has started the final phase of his prison sentence in a new location. He was relocated from Wasco State Prison to the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, California. Public inmate records confirm his presence at this facility, and a Bakersfield news outlet, KGET TV 17, first shared this update. This move follows his sentencing on March 24 2025, where he received a five year term for a 2022 shooting incident. With 1283 days of time served credited, he has about 542 days remaining, roughly 1.5 years, making him eligible for parole in March 2026.
Details of the 2022 Shooting and Legal Outcome
The incident that led to Velasquez’s conviction took place in February 2022. Velasquez chased a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, who was accused of molesting Velasquez’s then 4-year-old son at a daycare run by Goularte’s family. During the 11-mile high-speed chase, Velasquez fired a handgun, hitting Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm. Velasquez pleaded no contest to charges including attempted murder, felony assault, and weapons violations.
At his sentencing in Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, Judge Arthur Bocanegra credited Velasquez’s time served, which included nearly a year in jail and time on house arrest with an ankle monitor. Goularte, who has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of lewd acts with a minor, is awaiting trial on June 2 2025. Velasquez and his family have also filed a separate civil lawsuit against Goularte and his family’s daycare business.
Velasquez’s Reflections and Community Support
Velasquez, now 42, has expressed regret for his actions. Before his sentencing, he acknowledged that his actions were wrong and wished the Goularte family well, despite the allegations against Harry Goularte. Judge Bocanegra considered Velasquez’s community support and public standing during sentencing, which was lighter than the 30 years to life prosecutors had sought. Velasquez’s move to Soledad marks the next step in his sentence, as Wasco State Prison is typically a temporary stop for inmates before they are moved to a longer-term facility. Velasquez, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion who retired in 2019, remains a respected figure in the MMA community, with many hoping for his early release.
h/t MMAJunkie
