Cain Velasquez could be released as early as February 2026

Cain Velasquez whitethorn soon spot state again, astatine slightest partially. the erstwhile UFC heavyweight champion was fixed a caller accidental to beryllium considered for parole, and according to disposable information, this could hap arsenic aboriginal arsenic February 2026. however, it is important to stress that this does not mean an automatic merchandise from prison, but lone the close to person his lawsuit reconsidered earlier the competent authorities.

As a reminder, this 43-year-old combatant was convicted for an incidental successful 2022, erstwhile helium changeable astatine a motortruck carrying a antheral accused of abusing his past four-year-old son. The full lawsuit attracted a batch of nationalist attention, particularly due to the fact that it progressive a erstwhile champion and 1 of the astir ascendant heavyweights of his time.

The seasoned combatant is presently serving a five-year condemnation astatine Soledad State Prison successful California. The verdict was for attempted murder, but galore astatine the clip pointed retired that helium could person done overmuch worse, fixed that prosecutors were seeking a condemnation of 30 years oregon adjacent beingness successful prison. In that context, the condemnation helium was fixed is considered a lenient option.

What's next

Although helium has earned the close to beryllium considered for parole, helium is not guaranteed anything. He faces a proceeding earlier the Parole Board, wherever respective factors volition beryllium considered; the severity of the crime, his behaviour portion down bars, arsenic good arsenic an appraisal of the hazard successful the lawsuit of aboriginal release. Only aft that volition a determination beryllium made.

Velasquez previously, aft retiring from the UFC successful 2019, gave an affectional look backmost connected his career. At the time, helium said; "I'm incredibly blessed to person had a vocation doing thing that I genuinely love." He besides added; "I knew erstwhile I was successful assemblage that I wanted to beryllium a fighter, and aft graduating, I acceptable retired connected a travel with the extremity of becoming the UFC heavyweight champion." successful the aforesaid speech, helium noted; “There are fewer radical successful this satellite who tin accidental they person achieved what I person achieved and I americium everlastingly grateful for the opportunities and presumption I person had arsenic portion of the UFC.”

Regardless of the result of the parole decision, the erstwhile champion’s ineligible troubles don’t extremity there. He inactive faces large compensation claims related to the 2022 shooting, meaning helium has different agelong and uncertain combat up of him, this clip distant from the cage.