Social media has been buzzing after posts claimed that former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez would be released from prison on February 15, 2026. The reports quickly gained traction among MMA fans, reviving discussions about one of the most emotional and polarizing legal cases involving a fighter in recent memory. While timelines continue to circulate online, the situation has once again put the spotlight on why the former champion was arrested in the first place.
Velasquez was taken into custody in California back in 2022 following a dramatic high-speed chase and shooting incident. According to police and multiple court reports, the man he allegedly targeted had been accused of sexually abusing a young member of Velasquez’s family, reported as his child.
🚨 BREAKING: Cain Velasquez has been released from prison and has returned home, according to @THEREALPUNK :
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) February 15, 2026
"Welcome home brother!" pic.twitter.com/SHFabobV7p
Prosecutors stated that Velasquez pursued the vehicle carrying the accused individual and fired several shots from a handgun during the chase. One of those bullets struck the man’s stepfather instead, leading authorities to charge the former UFC star with attempted murder and several weapons-related offenses.
Why the Cain Velasquez case continues to divide the MMA world
The emotional background of the case sparked a massive wave of support from fighters and fans, many of whom rallied behind the “Free Cain” movement. Supporters argued that Velasquez was acting out of anger and desperation after allegations surfaced that a man had potentially molested his child. At the same time, legal experts emphasized that firing a weapon during a public pursuit placed innocent people at risk, which is why the charges carried such serious consequences.

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The situation created a complicated narrative around one of MMA’s most respected champions. Known for his relentless fighting style and humble personality during his UFC career, Velasquez suddenly found himself at the center of a legal storm that extended far beyond the sport. As rumors of a possible 2026 release continue to spread online, fans remain divided between sympathy for his personal circumstances and concern over the dangerous nature of the incident.
For now, Velasquez’s future depends on official legal outcomes rather than social media speculation, but the case has already left a lasting impact on the MMA community and how fighters’ personal lives intersect with the law.
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