Cain Velasquez releases first statement following prison release: 'It's good to be out'

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez recently spoke out after his release from custody, expressing gratitude for the support he received during his legal ordeal. Velasquez was released on May 10, 2024, following a sentencing that saw him receive a five-year prison term, which was suspended due to time served. The 41-year-old was released on probation, having spent a significant period incarcerated since his initial arrest.

Velasquez had faced numerous charges, including attempted murder, to which he pleaded no contest. He was credited with 881 days of time served, which significantly contributed to the suspended sentence.

The charges originated from a 2022 incident where Velasquez engaged in a high-speed pursuit of Harry Goularte. Velasquez fired a gun at a vehicle carrying Goularte and his family. Goularte operated a daycare that Velasquez’s then four-year-old son attended, and had been arrested days prior for allegedly molesting the child. In the course of the shooting, Velasquez inadvertently shot Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm.

On Thursday, Velasquez released his first public statement since his release, sharing his thanks with those who stood by him.

"Blessed to be out, thank you to all for the love and support; you all have lifted me up so high. Grateful for all the understanding thus far and I look forward to a road of service," Velasquez wrote in an accompanying message.

In a video message, Velasquez elaborated, saying, "Hi everyone. Now that it's been a couple of weeks since my release, I've had some time to kind of get back into things, get back into a normal way of life, get used to just doing the normal things. Being home with the family, being there for my kids."

He continued, "I just wanted to thank everybody for their love and support. Your words of inspiration, of encouragement constantly lifted me up, myself and my family. So, I just wanted to take this time here to thank everybody for the constant support. You have no idea what your words and your encouragement and your love has meant to me and my family. Again, just thank you. Thank you. Thank everyone. And it's good to be out."