UFC bantamweight contender, Ramon Taveras has shared footage of a harrowing drive-by shooting from the home security system of his mother’s house whilst in Jacksonville, Florida – in which he was nearly fatality shot.
Ramon Taveras, who boasts a 10-2, avenged a loss to Sergey Sidey back in January at UFC 297, landing a split decision win over the former in the pair’s rematch, coming as his debut following an appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series.
And the 30-year-old Duval County native has released footage from the security system at his mother’s home in Jacksonville, in which he was almost struck in a drive-by shooting at the property.
Ramon Taveras released statement amid drive-by shooting
“It’s unfortunate that I even have to make a post like this, but I cannot let this be swept under the rug,” Ramon Taveras posted on his official Instagram account.
“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,” Ramon Taveras continued. “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. This city is unforgiving, and it’s worse that JSO [Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office] does nothing to correct the problem. 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.
“JSO did the bare minimum for my brother and is now doing the same for me. They 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. This is a daily reality in my city; I am not the first, nor will I be the last. I am tired of remaining silent about my brother’s case, and I refuse to let this incident slide either. Many other families in my city have endured similar situations, crying out for justice just as my family is.
“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. I will use this situation to speak out against the ineffectiveness of JSO and their disregard for the less fortunate parts of the city. They seem indifferent to whether lives are lost or at risk. I am sick of it! This could have been a memorial post; I could have lost my life just like my brother, or somebody else could have lost theirs trying to take mine. I am done being silent. I ask for your support in spreading this message as far as we can.
“I am blessed and happy to be alive, but I’m leaving Duval.”
Sidelined since his win over Sidey earlier this year, Ramon Taveras was scheduled to take on Irish prospect, Caolan Loughran earlier this month at UFC 304 in Manchester, until an undisclosed injury ruled him from his return.
