Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez talked about the important lessons he learned during his time in prison. Velasquez was arrested and jailed for more than eight months in 2022 on charges of attempted murder of a man accused of molesting the fighter's 4-year-old son.
I took the opportunity to be with myself at the time – it was good and bad, but mainly good. I believe a lot of people should experience something like that, like have their freedoms taken away, to appreciate what you have, and it’s the smallest things that we take for granted. We’re so blessed every day, and we’re down on the dumbest things. I had the opportunity to just leave when I want to. Get in my car and go outside, look at nature. Have the opportunity to go look at something like that and appreciate the day.
Velasquez last fought against Francis Ngannou in February 2019 at UFC on ESPN 1. In that confrontation, Cain lost to his opponent by knockout in the first round. He has 14 wins and three losses on his record.