Cain Velasquez, the former UFC heavyweight champion, has been relocated to the California prison system following his conviction and sentencing. This move comes after he pleaded no contest to multiple charges, including attempted murder.
Velasquez received a five-year sentence and is currently housed at Wasco State Prison, located near Bakersfield, California. While this prison is about a three-hour drive from his San Jose home, Wasco serves as a reception center where inmates undergo processing and evaluation before being assigned to a long-term facility.
At Wasco, new inmates are assessed both physically and mentally to determine their security level. This classification process precedes their transfer to one of California`s main prisons, such as San Quentin or Folsom State Prison.
According to his sentencing terms, Velasquez is eligible for parole starting in March 2026. However, this date could be adjusted if he earns credit for good behavior, participation in prison programs, or other factors that reduce his sentence.
Although given a five-year sentence, Velasquez has already had over three years deducted due to time served. This includes eight months spent in jail after his initial arrest and subsequent house arrest with an ankle monitor while awaiting trial.
Unless unforeseen circumstances arise, Velasquez could potentially be released as early as March 2026.
Velasquez`s conviction stems from an incident where he engaged in an 11-mile high-speed chase after Harry Goularte. Goularte is accused of sexually abusing Velasquez`s son at a daycare run by Goularte`s mother. Goularte is facing charges in that case but was released from custody despite prosecution objections.
During the chase, Velasquez fired several shots from a handgun at Goularte`s vehicle. However, it was Goularte`s stepfather, Paul Bender, who was unintentionally shot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Velasquez was arrested without resistance and faced numerous charges, including attempted murder.
Velasquez`s next court appearance is scheduled for April 16. At this hearing, he will address restitution for his crimes, which involves a judge determining financial compensation to be paid to the victims. Restitution can cover expenses such as lost income, medical bills, therapy, counseling, and insurance deductibles.
