Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was released on parole Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, after serving 11 months for attempted murder in a 2022 shooting case, reuniting with his family.
California corrections officials confirmed Sunday that former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been released to parole supervision following nearly a year behind bars in a high-profile attempted murder case.
The 43-year-old fighter completed 11 months of a five-year sentence tied to a 2022 shooting that authorities described as a retaliatory attack against a man accused of molesting his young son.
According to the California Department of Corrections, Velasquez “was released to parole supervision on Feb. 15, 2026, after serving his full sentence as defined by law,” having received more than 1,200 days of pre-sentence credit.
He had pleaded no contest in 2024 to attempted second-degree murder and multiple firearm assault charges after an 11-mile high-speed chase that ended in gunfire near a school zone in Santa Clara County.
At sentencing in March 2025, Velasquez admitted his “actions were reckless and extremely dangerous,” adding that he was “ashamed and regretful.”
Nevertheless, the case has consistently been framed around his role as a father, placing renewed attention on the Cain Velasquez family and the deeply personal circumstances that shaped one of the most dramatic chapters of his personal life.
Cain Velasquez’s Wife and Kids Inside His Family Life
Family has always been the pillar of his life, and Cain Velasquez has frequently attributed his wife, Michelle Velasquez, for keeping him grounded during his fighting career.
The couple began dating years before Velasquez became a household name in mixed martial arts, making their relationship public around 2007. After the birth of their first child in 2009, Velasquez proposed.
They were married on May 28, 2011, in Tempe, Arizona, in a ceremony attended by close family and friends. Michelle Julia Borquez was born in 1985 in Campbell, California, and largely stayed out of the spotlight until her husband’s rise in the UFC brought public attention to their private life.
Together, they have two children. Their daughter was born in May 2009, before the couple married, and their son followed in 2018. The family has chosen not to publicly disclose their children’s names, maintaining a degree of privacy despite Velasquez’s fame.
Over the years, the former champion has spoken candidly about fatherhood. During his wife’s first pregnancy, he acknowledged that his intense training schedule limited the time he could spend at home. “It was hard,” he said in earlier interviews, reflecting on balancing preparation for title fights with the responsibilities of a new parent.
However, circumstances shifted by the time his son was born. Recovering from surgery and temporarily stepping away from competition in 2018, Velasquez was able to be present throughout the pregnancy and his son’s first year. He later said he “cherished those moments,” describing that period as one of the most meaningful stretches of his personal life.
The family has also faced personal hardship. In early 2022, weeks before Velasquez’s arrest in the shooting case that later led to his conviction, Michelle organized fundraising efforts after the sudden death of a young nephew. The episode underscored how closely-knit the extended family remains.
Despite intense public scrutiny during the legal proceedings, those close to the UFC champion’s family have consistently portrayed him as deeply protective and family-oriented. As he resumes life under parole supervision, much of the attention now turns to how Velasquez and his wife will navigate the next chapter.
Cain Velasquez’s Parents and Background
Cain Velasquez was born on July 28, 1982, in Salinas, California, to father Efraín and mother Isabel Velasquez. His father immigrated from Sonora, Mexico, as an undocumented worker before later obtaining U.S. citizenship, a journey that deeply influenced Velasquez’s identity and work ethic.
Raised in Yuma, Arizona, alongside his older brother, Efraín Jr., and older sister, Adela, he grew up in a disciplined, tight-knit Mexican-American household shaped by strong family values and perseverance.
At Kofa High School in Yuma, Velasquez established himself as an elite wrestler, compiling a 110–10 record and winning the Arizona 5A state championship twice. He also played linebacker in football and captained both teams as a senior.
After high school, he won the NJCAA National Championship at Iowa Central Community College before transferring to Arizona State University. At ASU, he became a two-time All-American, posted an 86–17 record, and graduated in 2006.
He began his mixed martial arts career shortly after college at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, making his professional debut on Oct. 7, 2006. Four years later, he defeated Brock Lesnar to win the UFC heavyweight title and eventually became a two-time champion before retiring from MMA in 2019.
Velasquez has consistently credited his upbringing for shaping his mindset. He has publicly honored his heritage, including a “Brown Pride” tattoo across his chest, and has emphasized that family, discipline, and perseverance defined his path long before championship belts did.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rich is Cain Velasquez?
Cain Velasquez is estimated to have a net worth of 4 million as of February 2026. The two-time UFC heavyweight champion had a 14-3 record in his MMA career and is still regarded as one of the most respected heavyweights in the history of the sport.
Why did Cain Velasquez leave WWE?
Velasquez was released from his WWE contract in April 2020 due to company-wide budget cuts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. He had signed with WWE in 2019 after retiring from mixed martial arts.
Did Cain Velasquez ever lose a fight?
Yes. Velasquez lost three fights during his professional MMA career. Each defeat came against fighters who later held the UFC heavyweight title.
What are Cain Velasquez’s height and weight?
Velasquez stands 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall and competed at approximately 241 pounds (109 kg) in the heavyweight division.
