The MMA community has rallied around Ramon Taveras after the UFC fighter uploaded footage of himself surviving a drive-by shooting.
The bantamweight took to social media to share a candid post in which he opened up about how the harrowing incident has made him feel.
Ramon Taveras has survived a drive-by shooting
On August 4, Ramon Taveras bravely opened up his Instagram account and discussed the shocking incident.
The professional athlete, who sadly lost his brother to gun violence in 2019, feared the same thing could possibly happen to him.
Taveras claimed that a group of individuals aimed their weapons at him on his mother’s property last month.
In an attempt to protect himself, the sportsman says that he grabbed his own firearm and shot back. He subsequently contacted the Jacksonville police force.
Wow: Alexander Volkanovski says why he thinks Israel Adesanya will beat Dricus Du Plessis
He wrote: “It’s unfortunate that I even have to make a post like this, but I cannot let this be swept under the rug.
“Monday, July 29, 2024, at 10:05 pm, a group of armed men drove up on me at my mother’s house and tried to take my life. By the grace of God, I made it out with no injuries and was able to grab my own firearm and return fire in self-defense.”
The Florida native continued: “I lost my brother in 2019 due to gun violence, and his killers are yet to be caught. Now I find myself almost in the same situation.
“They (the police) assumed I was targeted due to ‘gang violence’ or a problem I caused. I don’t bother anyone, I stay in my own lane, I focus on my career and family. Even after explaining this, they continued to insinuate that I was involved in something that brought this outcome upon myself.
“Nobody is perfect, and everyone has a past. However, I have changed significantly from who I was ten years ago. For such an incident to occur out of nowhere is alarming. It makes me view my life and family through an entirely different lens.
“My family feels unsafe, and I fear for my children, who nearly lost their father the person striving to change their lives. It is tragic that I have so much love for my city, yet I am compelled to leave.”
UFC fighters react to Ramon Taveras surviving a shooting
Unsurprisingly, the professional athlete has been inundated with UFC fighters reaching out to wish him well.
His comment section was full to the brim, with messages from an array of high profile names.
Philip Rowe wrote: “Duval is ridiculous man. Glad you’re safe.” While Max Griffin, commented, simply: “Damn”, followed by a prayer emoji
In addition, Mike Davis sent his best, writing: “Glad you’re safe and I’m glad your family is safe.” Furthermore, UFC color commentator, Laura Sanko, said: “Glad you’re ok.”
Trash talk: ‘Little 5’4 guy’… Sean O’Malley’s coach takes aim at Merab Dvalishvili