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SAN JOSE, Calif. – Two months after his release from prison, former UFC champion Cain Velasquez is raising money for programs that support incarcerated people through rehabilitation.<\/p>\n
He kicked off those efforts with a meet-and-greet fundraiser event in San Jose over the weekend.<\/p>\n
\u2018Welcome Home\u2019 event with a purpose <\/p>\n
What we know:<\/p>\n
The event, billed as a “Welcome Home Party,” was held at UFC Fit in San Jose. But organizers said it was about more than celebrating Velasquez\u2019s return.<\/p>\n
It was also an opportunity to give back to the people and programs that supported him during his time in prison.<\/p>\n
“He really just wanted to come and spend time one-on-one and spread awareness for this good cause,” said Autumn Fonseca, manager of UFC Fit San Jose.<\/p>\n
Turning experience into advocacy <\/p>\n
Velasquez was released about two months ago after being convicted of attempted murder in a case related to the molestation of a family member.<\/p>\n
Rather than moving on from that chapter, supporters say he is focused on using what he learned while incarcerated to help others.<\/p>\n
“He had come up to me at the end of his stay and said, \u2018I have made some of the best friends of my life in here. I deeply admire and respect the men in here, and anything I can do to help you, I\u2019m willing to do when I get out,\u2019” said Megan McDrew, founder of the Transformative Justice Center in Monterey.<\/p>\n
Supporting rehabilitation programs <\/p>\n
McDrew runs programs aimed at building empathy and connections between incarcerated individuals and the public.<\/p>\n
Velasquez participated in her programs, including yoga, breath work, and “Empathy in Action,” while incarcerated at the state prison in Soledad.<\/p>\n
After his release, he approached her about helping raise money and awareness.<\/p>\n
“He saw everything I\u2019m doing now outside in the community trying to build awareness around incarceration, and he said, \u2018100 percent, let\u2019s do an event together,\u2019” McDrew said.<\/p>\n
Community reaction <\/p>\n
Those who train with Velasquez said his efforts reflect his character.<\/p>\n
“It speaks to his character and just that he wants to help others, and he always leads by example in everything he does,” said Chris Haynes, a coach at UFC Fit.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Velasquez said, “The things that I love to do, if they can help others, then I\u2019m not working in the traditional sense. I am doing sacred work that is always essential.”<\/p>\n
Looking ahead <\/p>\n
What’s next:<\/p>\n
Velasquez plans to continue supporting rehabilitation efforts. Organizers said he is expected to visit Soledad in May to help lead programs he participated in while incarcerated.<\/p>\n
“He\u2019s really trying to walk on the path of the spiritual warrior and bring healing to our community, both inside and outside of prison,” McDrew said.<\/p>\n
Organizers said the weekend event raised about $3,500 for the Transformative Justice Center.<\/p>\n