Former UFC Fighter Suman Mokhtarian Murdered in Sydney
The mixed martial arts (MMA) world is in mourning following the murder of Suman Mokhtarian, former UFC fighter and renowned coach. Mokhtarian, 33, was the victim of an armed attack in Riverstone, west of Sydney, on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities believe it was a premeditated attack. Emergency services responded to Annaluke Street after receiving reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, they found Mokhtarian with gunshot wounds, but he unfortunately passed away at the scene despite the paramedics’ efforts. Mokhtarian competed in the UFC in 2018 and 2019. Subsequently, he dedicated himself to training, playing a fundamental role in the development of MMA talents at the Australian Top Team, alongside his brother Ashkan Mokhtarian. The police have established a crime scene and have initiated an investigation to clarify the circumstances of the shooting.Police are also investigating a vehicle fire on Riverstone Road, near Clark Street, which may be related to the incident. A Mokhtarian student, Jesse Swain, expressed his sorrow through social media.A man has died in a shooting in a public place in western Sydney today.
New South Wales Police Statement
Jesse Swain’s post: “I haven’t been able to sleep tonight after hearing the news. Suman believed in me more than I believed in myself, I owe him everything I’ve done in MMA. Anyone who knew him personally knows how passionate and encouraging he was and expected nothing but the best from you. He pushed me to heights I never thought I would reach when I started, he stopped me from giving up at the end of 2024 right before he got me professional opportunities and personally told me my potential in the game. I will make sure to fulfill that potential for him.”
Mokhtarian had previously been the subject of an alleged assassination attempt outside the Australian Top Team gym in February 2024.
