Velasquez On Life After Prison Release

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has spoken publicly about adjusting to life after his release from custody earlier this year.

Velasquez served 11 months following a 2022 incident in San Jose, California, where he pursued and fired at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, a man he accused of molesting a young relative. Goularte was not injured. Velasquez was initially sentenced to five years but was released in February.

Velasquez's New Role At American Kickboxing Academy

Since his release, Velasquez has returned to American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, where he now focuses on coaching. "I've always been a teacher even though I didn't necessarily think I was or I didn't want to," Velasquez told NBC. "But now I'm taking more on that road of teaching others, but I'm still looking to learn."

Velasquez said the past four years stripped away much of what he had but kept him focused on core values. "I've always stayed really just true to myself and how I want to continue with life and that's living from a place of love and giving back," he said, per Sherdog. "It all just starts with forgiving yourself."

The former champion incorporates breathing exercises he calls "ascension breath" into his training sessions to help fighters process trauma and stay present. "The breathing helps you get rid of or work through some traumas, things that you haven't let go of, but also the day-to-day, let go of things in the moment so you can just focus on what you're doing here," he explained.

Velasquez has largely avoided public appearances since February but said he hopes his story can help others learn from his decisions.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Cain Velasquez breaks silence on life after prison release