Cain Velasquez discusses life after prison and mentoring at AKA

Cain Velasquez, the ex-UFC heavyweight champion, reflected on his life following release from prison earlier this year. He had been sentenced for shooting at a vehicle linked to a man he accused of molesting a relative, serving 11 months before his February release. Since then, Velasquez has avoided the public eye until now, sharing insights about his rehabilitation.

He works at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, where he mentors fighters and focuses on teaching. He highlighted the importance of self-forgiveness, giving back, and practicing a breathing method he calls “ascension breath” to manage lingering trauma. Velasquez hopes his story can help others learn from his mistakes.