Cain Velasquez speaks out for the first time following prison release: “You have lifted me up so high”

Cain Velasquez has expressed gratitude following his release from prison.

The legendary UFC heavyweight took to his Instagram account to speak out for the first time since reuniting with his family. Velasquez has been getting back into the flow of life and he’s aware of the support he received during his time behind bars.

“Now that it’s been a couple of weeks since my release, I’ve had some time to kind of get back into things,” Velasquez said. “Get back into a normal way of life. Get used to just doing the normal things. Being at home with the family. Being there for my kids, and I just wanted to thank everybody for their love and support. Your words of inspiration, of encouragement, constantly just lifted me up.”

The former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion also included a caption where he thanked those who stood by him during his darkest time period.

“Blessed to be out, thank you to all for the love and support; you all have lifted me up so high,” Velasquez wrote. “Grateful for all the understanding thus far and I look forward to a road of service.”

Velasquez had been sentenced to five years in prison with 1,283 days credited for time served. The sentence stemmed from a Feb. 2022 incident where Velasquez shot at a vehicle containing  Harry Goularte, who is accused of molesting the former UFC star’s son. Goularte’s stepfather was injured during the ordeal.

Many UFC fighters showed their support for Velasquez as the situation was unfolding. Former UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland told BJPenn.com that “law or not,” Velasquez did the right thing.

While Goularte awaits trial for a felony charge of lewd acts with a minor, he is out on bail. Velasquez is a free man, but he is currently on parole. There is a restitution hearing scheduled for June 3 to determine how much is owed to Goularte’s stepfather.