Former UFC Fighter Suman Mokhtarian Murdered in Sydney
The mixed martial arts (MMA) world is in mourning following the death of Suman Mokhtarian, former UFC fighter and MMA coach, who was the victim of an attack in Sydney, Australia. Mokhtarian, 33, was killed while walking in Riverstone around 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Emergency services attended Annaluke Street, where they found Mokhtarian with gunshot wounds, but he died at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics. Mokhtarian competed in the UFC on two occasions, in 2018 and 2019, before dedicating himself to training. He played a fundamental role in the development of some of Australia’s best MMA prospects 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.At approximately 6 p.m., emergency services were called to Annaluke Street, Riverstone, following reports of a shooting. Officers from the Riverstone Police Area Command found a man with gunshot wounds. Shortly after, around 6:15 p.m., emergency services were called to Riverstone Road, near Clark Street, following reports of a car fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire, but the vehicle was destroyed. Police have established a second crime scene and are investigating whether the two incidents are related. A Mokhtarian student, Jesse Swain, paid a heartfelt 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 stimulating 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 giving up at the end of 2024 just before getting me professional opportunities and personally told me my potential in the game. I will make sure to fulfill that potential for him.” Mokhtarian was the target of a previous alleged assassination attempt outside the Australian Top Team gym in February 2024.A man has died in a shooting in a public place in western Sydney today.
New South Wales Police Statement
