Cain Velasquez is Out of Prison, Friends in Fighting Show Support

Cain Velasquez, former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, has been released from prison after serving time for a shooting incident. The news of his parole and return to civilian life was met with widespread messages of support from the mixed martial arts community, including former teammates and prominent figures like Ronda Rousey, Daniel Cormier, and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Velasquez was arrested for attempting to shoot a man accused of sexually assaulting his young son at a daycare facility. The incident involved a high-speed car chase where Velasquez reportedly rammed his vehicle into a truck carrying the accused and his family, and fired shots at their vehicle. He was found guilty of attempted murder and initially sentenced to five years in prison. His release comes after being granted early parole, citing time served and participation in rehabilitative programs.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

The legal case against Cain Velasquez stemmed from an incident on June 22, 2022. Velasquez reportedly pursued a vehicle containing Paul Bender, his 63-year-old stepfather, and Patricia Goularte, the mother of Albert Melden, a man accused of sexually assaulting Velasquez's four-year-old son at a home daycare. Velasquez was accused of intentionally ramming his truck into the vehicle carrying Bender and Patricia Goularte and firing multiple shots at it.

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• Velasquez was found guilty of attempted murder.

• He was sentenced to five years in prison.

• His release was granted on early parole.

Release and Community Reaction

Cain Velasquez's release on parole was confirmed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The news was met with an outpouring of support from the MMA world.

"Wishing you and your family happiness and healing!!" - Ronda Rousey (via X)

Prominent fighters and former teammates used social media to express their solidarity:

• Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov, who were former teammates and friends of Velasquez, posted messages of support on their social media accounts.

• The MMA community, including UFC legends and figures associated with Dana White's organization, celebrated Velasquez's departure from prison.

• A hashtag related to his release, #FreeCain, trended, indicating widespread backing.

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Velasquez, known for his aggressive fighting style, exceptional conditioning, and significant rivalries within the UFC, had a notable career before his legal troubles. He achieved a record of 14 wins and 3 losses in his professional MMA career, holding the UFC Heavyweight Championship twice.

Velasquez's Experience and Future Considerations

During his time in prison, Velasquez reportedly found solace and mental fortitude through practices like breathwork, which he stated aided him physically, mentally, and spiritually.

While his immediate focus appears to be reuniting with his family, his past involvement in professional wrestling, including a notable bout against Brock Lesnar in both the UFC and WWE, has led to discussions about his potential future in the WWE. The specifics of any future endeavors remain undetermined.

Evidence and Sources

• California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: Provided official confirmation of Velasquez's parole and release.

• Social Media Posts: Public statements from figures like Ronda Rousey, Daniel Cormier, and Khabib Nurmagomedov illustrate the MMA community's reaction.

• Professional MMA Records: Information regarding Cain Velasquez's career statistics within the UFC, including his championship wins and fight record.

• News Reports: Multiple media outlets have covered the legal case, sentencing, and subsequent release of Cain Velasquez, providing details of the incident and the community's response.

Cited Sources:

1. Yardbarker: Ronda Rousey, Khabib, and Others Rejoice as Cain Velasquez Reunites With Family After Prison Release

2. Link: https://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/rondarouseykhabibandothersrejoiceascainvelasquezreuniteswithfamilyafterprisonrelease/s11773043476189

3. SUPER FIGHTS: After leaving prison, Cain Velasquez receives support from UFC legends; Check it out

4. Link: https://superfight.net/news/347341/Cain-Velasquez-prisoner-receives-support-from-UFC-legends./

5. Cageside Seats: Cain Velasquez free after serving prison term for shooting incident; UFC champ’s WWE future discussed

6. Link: https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/418732/cain-velasquez-free-after-serving-prison-term-for-shooting-incident-ufc-champs-wwe-future-discussed

7. The Scrap: Ex-UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez Released on Early Parole

8. Link: https://www.thescrap.co/cain-velasquez-released-from-prison/

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