Suman Mokhtarian, Ex-UFC Fighter, Killed In Sydney Shooting

Suman Mokhtarian, former UFC fighter, was shot dead in Sydney (Picture credit: X)

Former UFC fighter turned mixed martial arts coach Suman Mokhtarian was shot dead in Sydney on Wednesday. Police claim that it was a targeted attack and it has left the entire UFC circle in shock.

Mokhtarian was shot dead while walking in Riverstone around 6 pm on Wednesday. Emergency services found him on Annaluke Street with gunshot wounds, but he was pronounced dead at the scene despite paramedics’ efforts.

Paramedics rushed to the scene to treat 33-year-old Mokhtarian, who had gunshot wounds to his torso, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mokhtarian competed twice in the UFC in 2018 and 2019 before transitioning to coaching, where he helped develop some of Australia’s top mixed martial arts talents at Australian Top Team alongside his brother, Ashkan Mokhtarian.

A short time after the shooting, two cars were found on fire in different locations, a hallmark of recent organised crime hits that have rattled the city.

“A man has died in a public place shooting in Sydney’s west today. About 6 pm today, emergency services were called to Annaluke Street, Riverstone, following reports of a shooting,” a NSW Police statement read.

“Officers attached to Riverstone Police Area Command attended and found a man suffering gunshot wounds. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene,” the statement added.

Jesse Swain, a student of Mokhtarian, paid a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “Haven’t been able to sleep tonight after hearing the news,” Swain wrote.

“Suman believed in me more than I believed in myself, I owe all I have done in MMA to him. Anyone that knew him personally knows how passionate and invigorating he was and he expected nothing but the best from you,” Swain added.

Mokhtarian had been the target of an alleged assassination attempt outside the Australian Top Team gym in Sydney’s Wentworthville suburb in February 2024.

In April, NSW Police cancelled a ‘Dark Matter Fighting Championship’ event, where Suman was scheduled to coach multiple fighters, citing concerns that he could be the target of another potential attack.