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Cain Velasquez released from prison on parole after serving his sentence in 2022. Cain Velasquez shooting case released from prison on parole after serving his sentence

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3 weeks ago

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(Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

San Jose, California On Sunday, multiple outlets reported that former two-time Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez had been released from prison on parole after serving a sentence related to a controversial 2022 shooting incident.

Velasquez, 43, announced the development on his social media accounts, confirming that he had been granted early parole and released from custody on February 15, 2026. According to reports, the longtime MMA star can now pursue his personal and professional interests outside of prison, including planning a one-day breathing seminar in the San Jose area.

Background: 2022 shooting incident and sentencing

Velasquez’s imprisonment follows a high-profile incident from 2022 in which he chased a vehicle containing a man he believed had molested his adolescent child and fired a gun. During the chase, another person – the defendant’s stepfather – was hit by a bullet but survived with non-life-threatening injuries. Velasquez was later arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including attempted murder.

In March 2025, a Santa Clara County judge sentenced Velasquez to five years in prison, with credit for time served in prison and house arrest, significantly reducing the time he would spend behind bars.

Under California law, inmates can receive credit for time already served – including time in custody and monitored home confinement – as well as for participation in rehabilitation programs. These reductions, combined with good behavior provisions, made Velasquez eligible for parole earlier than his original sentence indicated.

Velasquez’s reaction and plans for the future

After his release, Velasquez shared his first plans after leaving prison on social media and thanked his fans. In his statement, he suggested organizing a holotropic breathing seminar in the San Jose area, describing breathing as a tool that helped him “physically, mentally and spiritually.”

“I am considering the idea of ​​organizing a one-day holotropic breathing seminar in the San Jose area,” he wrote, adding that the practice was crucial to him.

Velasquez’s announcement also marks a shift toward personal well-being and social engagement, rather than an immediate return to competition. At 43 years ancient and Velasquez’s last professional fight was in 2019, Velasquez’s sporting comeback seems unlikely, but his next chapter outside the cage remains a topic of interest for fans and the martial arts community.

MMA Legacy and polarized case

Velasquez remains one of the most influential heavyweights in MMA history, known for his high-pressure wrestling, cardio and title victories during his prime. His release has once again sparked debate across the sport, with reactions ranging from support to criticism of the legal outcome.

The case itself – concerning a deeply emotional family situation – sparked widespread interest and debate both in the MMA world and in the mainstream media. Velasquez has already admitted in court to the recklessness of his actions, expressing remorse for the way he acted in the situation.

Although Velasquez’s prison sentence is now behind him, related legal issues continue. The man who was the alleged target of the 2022 shooting – Harry Goularte Jr. – is scheduled to appear in court in 2026 on separate charges of lewd acts with a minor.

This broader saga has been one of the most elaborate intersections of sports, personal tragedy and the American criminal justice system in recent years.

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UFC Vegas 114 Odds: Kevin Vallejos vs Josh Emmett Las Vegas Fight Night HeadlinesUFC Vegas 114 Odds: Kevin Vallejos vs Josh Emmett Las Vegas Fight Night Headlines

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1 day ago

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March 5, 2026

By


(Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

In a classic veteran vs. prospect matchup, 11th-seeded Josh Emmett will headline UFC Vegas 114 against 13th-seeded Kevin Vallejos.

The exhilarating featherweight clash pitting the power of Emmett against the rising power of Vallejos will take place on March 14, 2026 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas.

BetOnline.ag he opened odds for the 14 fights on the card, which you’ll find below.

If you are able to utilize this information, please consider citing the source.

UFC Vegas odds can be seen here: https://www.betonline.ag/sportsbook/martial-arts/mma/ufc-vegas-114

UFC Las Vegas 114

Josh Emmett +365

Kevin Vallejos -465

Amanda Lemos +205

Gillian Robertson -240

Ion Cutelaba +170

Oumar Sy-200

Harry Hardwick +150

Marwan Rahiki -175

Chris Curtis +205

Myktybek Orołbai -240

Steven Asplund +170

Vitor Petrino -200

Bruno Silva +175

Charles Johnson -205

Eryk Anders +115

Brad Tavares -135

Montserrat Rendon +350

Bia Mosque -450

SuYoung You +210

Elijah Smith -250

Sam Hughes +140

Piera Rodriguez -160

Luan Lacerda +200

Hecher Sosa -235

Bolaji Oki +295

Manoel Sousa -370

Others Fili +180

Jose Delgado -210

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MMA

LFA 231: Elijah Johns vs. Taner Trembley headlines featherweight match in MinnesotaLFA 231: Elijah Johns vs. Taner Trembley in first featherweight match in Minnesota

Published

2 days ago

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March 5, 2026

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LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) returns to Minnesota for another key night of mixed martial arts action.

LFA president Ed Soares confirmed that the promotion will return to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” Friday, April 17with stacked fight cards scheduled to take place at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.

upcoming event, LFA 231: Trembley vs. Johnspresented by Monster Energy, the main attraction of which will be a fierce featherweight fight between former LFA champion Elijah Johns (10-3) and undefeated prospect from Minnesota Taner Trembley (6-0).

Doors to the event will open at 16:30 local timewith a preliminary card starting at 16:45followed by the main card at 20:00 Fans in the United States can watch the action live on VICE TV at 21:00 ET / 18:00 PT.

Tickets for the event are currently available on Ticketmaster.

“Minnesota has become one of our strongest markets and that’s the type of fighting the fans here appreciate,” Soares said. “You have Elijah Johns, a former champion who knows what it takes to win at the highest level in LFA, against Taner Trembley, an undefeated local fighter looking to make a statement in front of his home crowd.”

Former champion Elijah Johns wants to regain his momentum

Former LFA featherweight champion Elijah Johns (10-3) returns to the LFA cage with valuable championship experience and a battle-tested resume.

Throughout his LFA career, Johns has faced elite competition and proven his ability to perform in the radiant lights of a main event. Now trying to get back into title contention, the veteran featherweight looks to derail one of Minnesota’s most promising rising stars.

Undefeated prospect Taner Trembley faces a career-defining test

Opposite Johns will be a hometown favorite Taner Trembley (6-0)who enters the fight with a perfect professional record and growing momentum.

Known for his aggressive fighting style and versatile skill set, Trembley continues to build a reputation as one of the most invigorating prospects in the region. Competing in front of his home crowd at the Mystic Lake Casino hotel, he will try to remain undefeated while achieving the biggest victory of his career.

With a former champion looking for redemption and an undefeated local talent chasing a breakthrough victory, LFA 231 promises an action-packed evening of elite MMA competition in Minnesota.

(Additional fights may be announced)

Main Card

Broadcast on VICE TV and LFA FIGHT NETWORK™ – 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT

Main Event – ​​Featherweight Fight (145 lbs)
Elijah Johns (10-3) vs. Taner Trembley (6-0)

Co-main event – ​​flyweight fight (125 pounds)
Ernesto Ibarra (10-1) vs. Devon Lozej (8-3)

Lightweight fight (155 pounds)
Steve Collins (6-0) vs. Cole Faust (4-1)

Lightweight fight (155 pounds)
Daniel Holt (4-0) vs. Korey Taylor (6-1)

Lightweight fight (155 pounds)
Quintin Richards (5-0) vs. Canon Swanson (5-1-1)

Lightweight fight (155 pounds)
Dzhamal Mavliudov (6-1) vs. Kelton Sneve (5-1)

Featherweight fight (145 pounds)
Beau Samaniego (8-3) vs. Abbas Abasov (5-1)

Catchweight fight (150 pounds)
Miljan Djukanovic (3-0) vs. Noah Gasho (3-0)

Flyweight fight (125 pounds)
Erick Medrano (0-0) vs. Gunnar Nelson (0-0)

Featherweight fight (145 pounds)
Kayara Hartfield (2-1) vs. Jess Hays (0-1)

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MMA

Fight card AKA 53: Championship rivalry headlines March 7 in Lake CharlesAKA 53: Rivalry, redemption and championship dreams collide in Lake Charles

Published

3 days ago

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March 4, 2026

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Lake Charles in Louisiana — AKA 53 Countdown – Hebert vs. Smith 2 it’s not just another fight night. It’s a story of competition, redemption and dreams of championship. Two warriors. Two gymnasiums. Two cities. One gold stripe.

On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the cage doors close at the iconic Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, and when it does, all that matters is heart, skill and who wants it more.

In the main event, AKA Lightweight Championship takes center stage at AKA 53 as the reigning champion Elliot Hebert defends his gold against a hungry rival Hunter Smith in gameplay fueled by pride, competition and ambition for mastery. Hebert looks to cement his position at the top of the division with another dominant performance, while Smith steps into the spotlight determined to seize his moment and claim the belt for himself. When the cage doors close at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, it won’t just be about rankings or records – it will be about heart, grit and which lightweight is willing to push further when it matters most.

For a champion, it’s the legacy that counts. For the challenger, it’s about redemption. When the lights shine brightest, there are no excuses. No shortcuts. Just five rounds to define a career. The main event of AKA 53 will be a fierce title fight that perfectly reflects the main theme of the event – redemption vs. reign. The champion enters with a vengeance, continuing his streak of dominance and defending his own field. Opposite him is a challenger who has recovered from defeat, sharpened his tools and returned to competition.

Expect fireworks from the opening bell.

AKA 53 Full Fight Card

Saturday, March 7, 2026
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino – Lake Charles, Los Angeles

MAIN EVENT

  • AKA Lightweight Championship: Elliot Hebert vs. Hunter Smith

MAIN CARD

  • Flyweight fight: Austin Soileau vs. Tyler Forsythe
  • Featherweight fight: Nevan Driehuis vs. Adrian Smith

SUB CARD

  • Amateur Heavyweight Championship: Ayden Bell vs. Marcos Serrano
  • Catchweight 190-pound fight: Justin Carpenter vs. Keegan Williams
  • Welterweight fight: Byron Walker vs. Landon Erickson
  • Middleweight fight: Trey Duhon vs. Julio Melendez

PRELIMATES

  • Featherweight fight: Jake Traver vs. Alex Sibrian
  • KB middleweight fight: Caiden McDowell vs Mathew Barnard
  • KB Featherweight Fight: Jayce Carpenter vs. Darren Stevenson
  • Featherweight fight: Caydin Bass vs. Luis Larrazabal

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