🎤 Interview by “D-Man,” CTF Inmate Correspondent
Father’s Day Behind the Wire
It’s Father’s Day — and in here, that hits different. The weight of missing your kids isn’t something that fades; it’s a fire that burns day and night. When I sat down with Cain Velasquez today, I wished him a Happy Father’s Day and asked him what this day feels like behind these concrete walls.
With that calm, steady voice of his, Cain said, “Got to hit church this morning. After that, played some pickleball — been looking forward to that all week. But the real gift was just being able to shake hands with all the fathers in here, share a moment of brotherhood. We carry each other through days like this.”
Building Skills for the Next Chapter
Cain isn’t one to waste time, even locked up. He’s been enrolled in vocational training, learning the plumbing trade. I asked what he’s picking up in the program.
“It’s everything — residential, commercial, urinals, showers, kitchens, baths. Running copper, running plastic. Learning how to build, how to fix. It’s all knowledge, and knowledge is power.”
I joked with him, asking whether he’s more “Tim the Toolman Taylor” or “Al Borland” when it comes to fixing things.
Cain laughed, “Oh I’m Tim. I try something at home, and my friends would say, ‘Cain’s gotta do it three times to get it right.’ But that’s how you learn — you fail forward.”
The Breath of Life
Cain also continues to develop his holotropic breathing classes — part meditation, part warrior discipline. I asked him to paint the picture.
“You walk in — yoga mats laid out in a circle, everyone flat on their backs, feet toward the center. I open with a short prayer for safe passage. Then the music starts. The breathing is fast, rhythmic: in-out, in-out — no pauses, no breaks. You ride that rhythm for five minutes, thirty minutes, sometimes over an hour. The goal is simple — surrender. Let go of everything but your breath. When the set time ends, breath returns to normal and that’s when the journey begins. The mind opens up. The spirit speaks.”
The Power of Plant Medicine
We touched on another sacred part of Cain’s personal journey — plant medicine.
“For me, plant medicine is the ultimate teacher — it’s nature, it’s spirit, it’s God, my true self. It’s that oneness. Mushrooms, peyote, mescaline, DMT from ayahuasca — every part of this world has its medicine. Each one offers its own wisdom if you respect it.”
Protecting Your Energy in a Digital World
I shifted back to fighting for a moment and asked Cain what advice he’d give young fighters building brands online.
“Protect your energy. Be authentic. Don’t chase trends. Do what feels right in your heart. At the end of the day, you have to be able to look in the mirror and recognize yourself.”
The Hard Truth About the Fight Game
A whole generation grew up watching Cain smash giants in the Octagon. I asked him to drop some wisdom on what fighters won’t learn in the gym.
He paused for a long time, searching his soul before answering.
“It goes by fast. When you’re in it, you feel invincible. But that window closes quicker than you think. Appreciate every moment. The fight doesn’t last forever.”
From the Cage to the Ring
Cain also stepped into the world of Lucha Libre and pro wrestling after his MMA career. I asked him what surprised him most about that transition.
“Man, I grew up watching Lucha, but I never expected to love actually doing it this much. It tapped into something different. A new challenge. A new kind of art.”
Defining True Toughness
Few men alive know the cost of real toughness like Cain Velasquez. I asked him what it means to him.
“True toughness isn’t just about being able to fight wars — it’s about having heart. It’s about staying vulnerable while being strong. Staying human.”
How do you spot it in others?
“You see it in the ones who give everything but never lose themselves — win or lose. They stay true.”
The Secret to World-Class Cardio
We closed with a fan question from SuitedH13, a purple belt in jiu-jitsu, who wanted to know Cain’s secret to his legendary gas tank.
Cain grinned and broke it down:
“#1 — Efficiency. Every wrestling move is leverage and position. Work smarter, not harder.
#2 — Striking: every punch, every kick, clean technique, no wasted motion. Exhale on every strike.
#3 — Stay relaxed. Breathe deep. Most people panic and forget to breathe. Master breathing under pressure.
#4 — Push yourself in training. I lived in deep water every day. Don’t fear exhaustion. Make it your friend.”
“I hope that helps.” he said with a smile.
As we wrapped, I thanked Cain for his time and told him I’d see him tomorrow for our noon training session. Even behind these walls, Cain Velasquez continues to live like a champion — teaching, training, evolving. The body may be locked up, but the spirit? Unbreakable.
That’s it for this week. Like, share, and drop your question for Cain in the comments—maybe you’ll see it featured next Sunday. Until next time… this is your ROLL & RUMBLE Fight Co. Beat Reporter, “D-Man,” signing off from CTF Soledad, California.