Former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has opened up about getting used to normal life after spending over a year in prison.

Velasquez, back in March 2022, was charged with attempted murder, alongside gun assault charges for shooting at a man who had allegedly molested his then-4-year-old son. He was also involved in a car chase, and his fired shots had actually struck the alleged molester’s stepdad.

He was initially jailed and later placed under house arrest from November 2022 (until the conclusion of his trial). Things took a turn for the worse in March 2025, as Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison. However, he did receive credit for 1,283 days of time served.

Cain Velasquez was released from prison in February 2026 (Via New York Daily News)

The 43-year-old was granted early parole in February 2026 and eventually released from prison.

Recently, Velasquez opened up in an interview with Red Corner MMA about adjusting to normal life after spending time in prison, also going on to highlight the ‘most important thing’ he has learned post-release. Velasquez said:

I took it very step by step. I feel like I took it really slow, but it’s what I needed to kind of slowly get accustomed to normal life again. So, the most important is always to be with the family. Be with my kids. Give them the love and support that they need.

Check out Cain Velasquez’s comments below:

Cain Velasquez highlights ‘Doing More Things Needed’ for Himself

Family and kids aside, Cain Velasquez also highlighted the importance of getting back to the routine of ‘doing more things needed for himself. The 43-year-old said:

From then on, slowly start worrying about myself…Doing more things that I need for myself. I think everybody needs a balance…But I’ve slowly started getting back into the gym, mostly just for myself. I know coaching is gonna be there, cause I’m gonna be able to coach, just by me working out there.

One of the scariest men to ever grace the octagon, Velasquez retired from the sport back in 2019 with an impressive record of 14-3. He also had a brief career in Professional Wrestling spanning almost five years, including a 6-month stint in WWE.

Gerard Crispin

Gerard Crispin is an editor and writer with expertise across MMA, Football, Tennis, Cricket, NBA and F1. He has published over 3500 articles in Combat Sports, across multiple websites, viz. Sportskeeda, FanSided MMA, MediaReferee, FirstSportz and PFSN. Crispin currently covers UFC for LowKickMMA.