Randomly attacking people on the street is never appropriate, but it’s particularly unwise to target former MMA fighters.
One unfortunate individual experienced this firsthand last week, when a security camera captured his attempt to attack former MMA fighter Javier Baez with a knife in a parking lot. The result was the man being thrown to the ground and choked into unconsciousness.
Footage went viral days later, leading to Baez making an appearance on TMZ and recounting the incident with the assailant. Making an appearance on TMZ.
“I got to the parking lot late and I was on the phone with my fiancee. I was in the car, I had left my keys in her house, so I was like ‘Let me just chill for a little bit and go to work later.’ I heard him screaming in the parking lot. He banged on my door. I told him ‘Leave me alone.’ He came back with a knife, cracked my windshield, and that’s when I stepped out. I told him ‘I’m calling the cops,’ and then he just charged at me.
“Once I got there, I put him in an arm triangle. I was like ‘You know what? The knife’s stuck, he’s not going to put it anywhere,’ so I put him in a chokehold. As soon as he goes out, I take the knife away from him. I put my knee on his belly and I call the cops. And when he wakes up, he’s got my foot on his back.”
The man, identified as Omar Marrero, was charged with two felonies, per CBS News.
What Marrero likely did not know was that Baez held a 5-2-1 record as a professional mixed martial artist, most of his bouts with Fight Time Promotions. He also told TMZ he holds a black belt in jui-jitsu, wrestled in college and has practiced kickboxing for 15 years. So, generally, a very bad person to pick a fight with, even if you’re the one holding a knife.
This isn’t the first time someone has attempted a crime on an MMA fighter, as similar stories pop up here and there with similar results.
Past examples include an attempted car theft against Kevin Holland, an attempted mugging of strawweight Polyana Viana, an attempted car theft against Jordan Williams, a home invasion of light heavyweight Anthony Smith, a drunken swing at Hall of Famer Matt Serra, a night-time break-in at ex-light heavyweight champ Jon Jones’ house, an attempted stabbing of featherweight Makwan Amirkhani’s brother and an attempted mugging of legend Renzo Gracie. There’s a reason you’re seeing the word “attempted” a lot in there.
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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