Cain Velasquez’s return from prison drew an immediate reaction from Ronda Rousey, who shared a message of support as the former UFC heavyweight champion was released on parole Sunday.
Velasquez was freed from California state prison after spending the last 11 months in custody, according to a report by ESPN. He was sentenced to five years in March 2025 after pleading no contest to charges connected to the February 2022 shooting incident. At sentencing, Velasquez received credit for more than three years of time already served.
Rousey took to X to react to the news and wrote:
“Welcome back, Cain! Wishing you and your family happiness and healing!”
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
Check out Ronda Rousey‘s X post below:
The case stemmed from an episode in which Velasquez chased a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, a man accused of molesting his four-year-old son. Authorities said Velasquez fired repeatedly during an 11-mile pursuit, striking and injuring Goularte’s father, who was also inside the car.
Velasquez was later granted bail and placed on house arrest in November 2022 before returning to custody. Goularte continues to face a felony charge of lewd acts with a minor, while Velasquez has filed a civil case as well.
Velasquez won the UFC heavyweight title in 2010 by knocking out Brock Lesnar and became a central figure at American Kickboxing Academy before retiring in 2019. Both he and Rousey later crossed into WWE and have been pioneering figures in the crossover history.
Din Thomas reflects on Cain Velasquez’s release from prison
UFC analyst Din Thomas reacted to Cain Velasquez being released from prison and said that it was good to see the former UFC heavyweight champion back with his family. Thomas noted that Velasquez had plenty of big moments inside the octagon, but what stood out most to him was Cain’s approach behind the scenes.
He recalled watching Velasquez warm up before a fight and being struck by the intensity and purpose in his preparation. Thomas described him as a heavyweight who competed with a unique level of focus and control.
In a recent conversation on Submission Radio, he said:
“I mean, he’s had so many moments, man. But I can’t really put a finger on a moment that he’s had in the fight, but I just remember watching him working out before one of his fights, and just seeing the intensity that this man had before a fight.”
He added:
“I was in the back, and he’s getting ready to fight, and I’m like, ‘Yo, this guy is an absolute animal.’ And he was just the intensity. You could see it in his eyes that he was there for one reason, and that was to just dominate his opponent. And he’s one of the greatest heavyweights that we’ve ever had. So, congratulations to him and his family. He gets to be back with his family and his kids. So, congratulations.”
Edited by Abhishek Nambiar
