Joe Rogan holds Cain Velasquez in extremely high regard. For years, he had hoped to feature the former two-time UFC heavyweight champion on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. However, despite his interest, the longtime color commentator revealed that a judge had prevented the appearance from happening. While speaking with Action Bronson, Rogan opened up about the entire situation.
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“We were trying to get him on the podcast before he went in,” Rogan told Bronson. “But the judge wouldn’t allow it. I definitely have him on now, though.”
The judge Rogan is talking about is in connection with a February 2022 incident. ‘Cardio Cain’ was involved in a high-speed chase and fired several shots at Harry Goularte, the man accused of molesting his son. Unfortunately, one of the bullets hit Goularte’s father, and the UFC star was arrested soon after and faced charges, including attempted murder.
In November the same year, after spending eight months in prison, he was released on $1 million bail and placed on house arrest. By 2024, he pleaded no-contest to charges of attempted first-degree murder, assault with a firearm, shooting at a motor vehicle, and related gun charges. In March the next year, he was sentenced to 5 years in state prison.
However, he received credit for time already served, and his prison term began. In December last year, his parole eligibility date was moved up from March 2026 to February 2026 due to time served previously. Come February 15, Cain Velasquez was a free man once again, having been released from California state prison on parole after serving ten months. And Joe Rogan was among the ones celebrating his release.
Joe Rogan reveals he tried to bring Cain Velasquez on his podcast before his jail time, but the judge didn’t allow it 🚫
— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) April 23, 2026
"I'll definitely have him now though"
(Via @joerogan ) pic.twitter.com/lR647nClFg
“I love Cain,” he added. “He’s in my top… I don’t think there’s a GOAT, a real GOAT in heavyweight, because I think there are times where one guy would have beaten all the other guys. He is in the GOAT category.”
This, of course, comes after Cain Velasquez himself broke his silence in March since his release.
Cain Velasquez didn’t want to overwhelm himself with the pace of life
The former two-time heavyweight champion shared a heartfelt message about adjusting to life at home. He expressed gratitude for the support he received after his release.
“Now that it’s been a couple of weeks since my release, I’ve had some time to get back into things, get back into a normal way of life,” Velasquez said. “Get used to just doing the normal things. Being home with the family. Being there for my kids.
“I just wanted to thank everybody for their love and support. Your words of inspiration and encouragement constantly lifted me up—my family and me.”
As he transitions back, he remains focused on taking things slowly.
“I didn’t want to overwhelm myself… I just had to get used to it,” he said. “… It’s good to be out.”
While Velasquez is out and re-adjusting to life as a free man, Joe Rogan appears eager to have him on his show. Although when that may happen is yet to be seen.
