🥋 Sundays Without Cain – Episode 2 - A ROLL & RUMBLE Fight Co. Exclusive

Interview by “D-Man,” CTF Inmate Correspondent

Cain Velasquez’s court appearance in Santa Clara County has stretched into its second week. Life here at the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) continues as it has since the prison first opened its gates in 1946—men serving time, paying a debt to society for the mistakes of their past.

In all those decades, it’s hard to imagine a more high-profile inmate than Cain Velasquez. With that notoriety comes a set of preconceived notions from those on the outside looking in.

When I write about Cain, I do so through the lens of recovery. My goal is to share his story as a living testimony—one that offers insight into a different way to live, and shows the path it takes to get there.

This week, I sat down with José—known around the yard as “Junior.” In Cain’s absence, Junior has been entrusted with leading Cain’s breathing class.

Junior is 36 years old, serving his 14th year behind bars. Originally from Durango, Mexico, he now follows Indigenous spiritual practices. His spiritual journey began in the church, but it wasn’t until he was invited to a sweat lodge that he found the answers he had been searching for.

I asked him what he knew about Cain before they met.

“I remember hearing about the controversy over his ‘Brown Pride’ tattoo. People would say, ‘If someone put White Pride, it’d be racist.’ So Cain used a mouthpiece with Mexico’s colors. Being from Mexico, yeah—he was representing me.”

And what did he think when Cain first arrived?

“Honestly, I thought he might be cocky because of his fame. I was wrong. He’s humble, knowledgeable, and very human. He was willing to share his life story when I asked.”

I asked how it felt to be tapped by Cain to lead his classes.

“I’ve learned a lot from him. Mainly—not to force things. To take life as it comes.”

How had the breathing class helped him personally?

“At first, I was skeptical. I didn’t understand how it could help release pent-up emotions or heal trauma. But I was curious—I’d been trying for a long time to answer the question: ‘Why me? Why here? Why this way?’

I searched for answers in church, and later in sweat lodge and drum circle ceremonies. I was already on my healing path when Cain introduced me to the breathing practice. It reminded me that everything we need to heal is already around us—the four natural elements: air, water, earth, and fire. We are all part of a greater universe. The breathing class became a bridge between me and a collective consciousness—the Creator, or Higher Self.”

Junior also told me about a recent family visit.

“I’d read Wim Hof’s book and learned thousands practice this style of breathing. During an overnight family visit, my mom, my brother, and I did a breathing session together. My mom had an intense emotional release—it was hard to see her so emotional, but it helped her begin to heal from a 35-year-old trauma.

My brother’s experience wasn’t as dramatic, but he felt lighter—physically and emotionally. My mom actually did it twice with me during that visit. We still talk about it a lot on the phone.”

What’s one thing he wants people to know about Cain?

“He’s not the book the cover portrays. He’s compassionate, empathetic, and full of love.”

And what would he want Cain to know?

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from his life’s lessons.”

Junior shared with me that he’s been taking a public speaking class for the past two years called Glossophobics. Over the last month, he’s been preparing a 10-minute persuasive speech — and he chose Cain’s breathing class as his topic. He told me, “The rough draft is done. I’m giving my speech to persuade people to try Cain’s Ascension Breath class.” I told him I can’t wait to see the finished version. As we wrapped up, Junior had to go, but we made plans to get photos of him and Cain together for you, the reader.

Over the past two weeks, I’ve noticed a common thread in these conversations. Everyone I speak to about Cain says the same things—about his kindness, his wisdom, and his ability to inspire others to explore life’s deeper meaning.

Cain has made an impression here that goes beyond fighting. He’s helping men reconnect with themselves, heal old wounds, and seek their higher selves.

I believe the impact has gone both ways. For all Cain has given to us here at CTF, I think the men have given something back to him too.

He’s expected to return this week, and I can’t wait to hear his thoughts on being away and to continue this journey into his life.

Until then, remember—share your story with the people you love before it’s too late.