Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, after pleading no contest to multiple charges including attempted murder, has been sentenced to five years and is currently housed at Wasco State Prison in California, with eligibility for parole in March 2026, following his arrest for a high-speed chase and shooting incident related to accusations against Harry Goularte, who allegedly molested Velasquez’s son.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has taken his first steps into the California prison system. This follows his conviction and sentencing after a no-contest plea on multiple charges, including attempted murder.
Velasquez received a five-year sentence and is currently housed at Wasco State Prison, just outside Bakersfield, Calif. Although three hours from his San Jose home, Wasco serves as a reception center before inmates move to long-term facilities.
At Wasco, new inmates undergo processing, classification, and evaluation—both physical and mental. This determines their security level before transfer to primary prisons like San Quentin or Folsom.
According to his sentence terms, Velasquez becomes eligible for parole in March 2026. However, this could change with good behavior or participation in certain programs.
Interestingly, despite the five-year sentence, over three years were deducted immediately. This accounts for time served during the eight months he was denied bail and under house arrest with an ankle monitor.
Unless circumstances shift dramatically, Velasquez might be released as early as March 2026.
The conviction stems from an 11-mile high-speed chase targeting Harry Goularte’s car. Goularte allegedly molested Velasquez’s son at a daycare owned by his mother. Despite facing charges himself, Goularte was released against prosecution advice.
During the chase, Velasquez fired several handgun rounds at the car. Unfortunately, it was Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, who was shot but sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Velasquez was arrested without incident and faced numerous charges, including attempted murder. His next court date is April 16 for restitution proceedings. Here, a judge will determine financial penalties owed to victims for lost wages, medical costs, therapy, counseling, and insurance deductibles.