Good news for Cain Velasquez fans! Once a dominant force in the UFC heavyweight division, Velasquez has recently made headlines for a very different reason. Since March 2025, he has served a five-year sentence at a California correctional facility located about 40 miles inland from Monterey. He received the sentence after pleading no contest to attempted murder, felony assault, and gun-related charges stemming from a 2022 shooting incident.

The incident unfolded in February 2022, when Velasquez pursued a man in San Jose who allegedly molested his four-year-old son. During the confrontation, he shot the alleged perpetrator’s father, who was also in the vehicle. The incident immediately sparked controversy, with many fans and notable figures, including UFC CEO Dana White and teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov, publicly supporting the UFC veteran.

When the court handed down his sentence this year, the MMA community debated whether he had already ‘served his time,’ as Cain Velasquez had spent 1,283 days behind bars since his initial arrest, including time under house arrest. Nevertheless, the court sentenced him to five years in prison. The good news is that Velasquez will become eligible for parole next year. A recent Reddit post confirmed, “Cain will be eligible for parole next year. Send him some support if you can, looks like he’s doing well so far, thank God,” accompanied by a series of pictures from prison showing him in good shape.

Meanwhile, LAPD officer turned referee Big John McCarthy criticized Velasquez’s actions, claiming he mishandled the situation. The shooting took place on a busy street near a school, endangering children and parents. Despite the controversy, the latest update has brought some relief to Cain Velasquez’s fans, restoring hope for the former UFC champion.

Viral prison pictures of Cain Velasquez with personnel spark fan worries

Javier Mendez and Khabib Nurmagomedov have often described Cain Velasquez as one of the “most respectful guys” in the gym, and it seems that reputation has followed him even behind bars. A recent viral Reddit post showed ‘Cardio Cain’ in good spirits, working out and doing abs exercises with other inmates. The images quickly sparked debate among fans. One viewer joked, “Did Cain join a gang in there lol.” Others, however, viewed the situation through a more realistic lens, noting the harsh environment of prison life.

Comparing it to films like Papillon and Shot Caller, one fan explained, “It’s encouraged in prison for personal safety even though you’re beefing with other gangs. Just means you won’t get targeted while you’re by yourself. It’s still dangerous in there for an MMA guy.” The viral photos also brought back a powerful statement from Khabib Nurmagomedov when Cain Velasquez was first imprisoned. Questioning the fairness of the system, Khabib had said, “They talk about law, court, about jail, but I don’t understand these things. This is not fair. He sit in jail and other guy is outside.”

Even with the grim reality of his situation, Cain Velasquez looks strong and composed in his latest pictures. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation currently holds him in a facility known for housing inmates convicted of violent crimes, with a population largely made up of Black and Hispanic men. Many fans take comfort in knowing that Velasquez, who proudly embraces his Mexican roots, is likely surrounded by people who respect him.

As one fan noted, “Probably just hanging out with a bunch of other Mexican criminals to be safe,” while another added, “Cain represents Mexico as a UFC champion and he’s genuinely nice. I’m sure people love him in there.” Fans also continued to praise Cain Velasquez’s humility and good nature, confident that his character and background have earned him respect among inmates.

In fact, as one supporter put it, “Feel like people would respect him for what he did.” Others even pointed out the sense of unity in the photo, where Velasquez towered over fellow inmates. Another fan summed up the general sentiment perfectly: “Hispanics in there probably have so much respect from where he grew up, where he made it, and why he’s in there.”

Now, with the year nearing its end, Cain Velasquez is just a few months away from becoming eligible for parole. Until then, fans will likely continue rooting for him and following every update on his situation. After all, for his supporters, he must be the “king” in there.