Cain Velasquez could potentially earn an early release from prison sooner than anticipated.
Velasquez’s legal battle, which began in February 2022, was resolved last month when he was sentenced to five years in prison at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California, after pleading no contest to multiple charges, including attempted murder.
According to a report by MMA Fighting on Monday, the UFC veteran has been temporarily relocated to Wasco State Prison — a reception center where inmates are evaluated before being assigned to a permanent long-term correctional facility.
Wasco serves as an intake hub where new inmates are evaluated holistically to determine their appropriate security classification before being transferred to one of California’s main correctional institutions, such as San Quentin or Folsom State Prison.
From the five-year prison sentence handed down to Cain Velasquez, over 42 months (1,283 days) were credited for time already served, including his stint in jail and several months under house arrest. He becomes eligible for parole in March 2026, though that timeline could be expedited based on his behavior in prison and participation in correctional programs aimed at reducing sentences.
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The 42-year-old Californian was convicted after being taken into custody for engaging in a high-speed chase carrying Harry Goularte, the idividual accused of sexually abusing Velasquez’s then-four-year-old son at a daycare run by his mother.
Velasquez opened fire on the vehicle with a handgun during the pursuit. However, it was Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, who was struck and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The former WWE star was taken into custody without resistance in February 2022. Given the severity of the charges, he spent eight months behind bars before being granted bail in November, which was set at $1 million.
Velasquez is set to appear in court again on April 16 for a restitution hearing, where the judge will determine the financial compensation owed to the victims. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, therapy costs, and other damages related to the case.
