Cain Velasquez, the former UFC heavyweight champion, has been transferred to Wasco State Prison following his conviction and five-year sentence stemming from a no-contest plea on multiple charges, including attempted murder.
Located just outside Bakersfield, California, Wasco State Prison serves as a reception center approximately three hours from Velasquez’s San Jose home. The facility functions as an initial placement where new inmates are processed, classified, and evaluated both physically and mentally before being transferred to a permanent location within California’s prison system.
After comprehensive assessment, Velasquez will likely be moved to one of California’s primary correctional facilities, such as San Quentin or Folsom State Prison, for the remainder of his sentence.
According to the terms of his sentencing, Velasquez could see freedom much sooner than his five-year term suggests. He becomes eligible for parole in March 2026, though this timeline could potentially accelerate based on good behavior or participation in prison rehabilitation programs.
The former champion has already had more than three years removed from his original sentence, accounting for the eight months he spent in custody following his arrest when bail was repeatedly denied. Additional credit was given for time served under house arrest with electronic monitoring.
Velasquez’s legal troubles began following an 11-mile high-speed pursuit of a vehicle containing Harry Goularte, who faces separate charges related to allegations of molesting Velasquez’s son at a daycare owned by Goularte’s mother. Despite prosecution recommendations, Goularte had been released from custody.
During the incident, Velasquez discharged a handgun at the vehicle, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries to Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender. Authorities later apprehended Velasquez without resistance.
The legal process continues for Velasquez, with his next court appearance scheduled for April 16. This hearing will address restitution matters, where a judge will determine financial penalties owed to victims, potentially covering lost wages, medical expenses, counseling costs, and insurance deductibles.
Unless circumstances change significantly, Velasquez could potentially return home as early as March 2026.
