Cain Velasquez, the 42-year-old MMA star, was recently transferred to Correctional Training Facility prison in Soledad, California.
What happened?
Velasquez was sent from Wasco State Prison near Bakersfield, California, to continue serving his sentence.
Background
The transfer occurred as Velasquez serves time for attempting to murder Harry Goularte, who is charged with molesting Velasquez's 4-year-old child at a daycare.
On February 28, 2022, Velasquez chased Goularte's pickup truck from Morgan Hill to San Jose, firing a gun during the chase and shooting Goularte's stepfather.
Current status
Velasquez expressed remorse, telling the judge, "I am truly sorry. My actions were reckless. I am ashamed and regretful for how I handled myself."
Last month, a judge gave Velasquez the minimum possible prison sentence — five years — for attempted murder.
Velasquez spent his last few months of freedom working as an MMA and Jiu Jitsu coach around the Bay Area, spending time with his children, and appearing with a nonprofit, Chokeout Cancer, at children's hospitals.
Despite a 5-year sentence, Velasquez may be freed from prison next year, having received credit for 1,283 days served, which will cut his time behind bars down to about 1.5 years.
His first parole hearing is scheduled for March 2026.
Goularte's felony child molestation trial is scheduled to begin on June 2, and he remains out of custody, having pleaded not guilty to committing lewd acts with a minor.
Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Arthur Bocanegra became teary-eyed and emotionally choked up when he handed down the sentence, emphasizing that Velasquez's family was also the victim in the child molestation case.
Prosecutors had asked for a sentence of 25 years to life in prison, but the judge said, "This is a tragic case. Mr. Velasquez is not a danger to public safety.",
What comes next?
Velasquez's case will continue to unfold, with his parole hearing and Goularte's trial on the horizon.
The MMA star's future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his actions have had a profound impact on his life and the lives of those around him.
As Velasquez serves his sentence, his fans and supporters will be watching closely, hoping for his eventual release and return to the world of MMA.
For now, Velasquez will have to come to terms with his new reality, one that is far removed from the UFC octagon where he once reigned supreme.