UFC ex-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 prominent coach. Australian police suspect it was a targeted attack.
The incident occurred in Riverstone, west of Sydney, around 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Mokhtarian, 33, was found with gunshot wounds on Annaluke Street. Despite the efforts of paramedics, he died at the scene.
Mokhtarian competed in the UFC in 2018 and 2019 before turning to coaching. He played a crucial role in the development of MMA prospects at the Australian Top Team, alongside his brother Ashkan Mokhtarian.
Authorities have established a crime scene and are investigating. A statement from the New South Wales Police confirmed the discovery of a man with gunshot wounds in a public place.
Subsequently, emergency services were alerted to a vehicle fire on Riverstone Road, near Clark Street. Police are determining if both incidents are related.
Mokhtarian’s student, Jesse Swain, shared a touching tribute on Instagram:
“I couldn’t 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 invigorating he was and expected nothing but the best from you. He pushed me to heights I never thought I’d reach when I started, stopped me from quitting 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 already been the target of an alleged assassination attempt outside the Australian Top Team gym in February 2024.
