Former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian murdered in what is believed to be a targeted attack
The mixed martial arts (MMA) world is in mourning following the murder of Suman Mokhtarian, former UFC fighter and renowned coach. Australian police are investigating the incident as a premeditated attack that occurred in Sydney. Mokhtarian, 33, was the victim of a shooting while walking in Riverstone, around 6 pm on Wednesday. Emergency services attended Annaluke Street, where they found Mokhtarian with gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of paramedics, he died at the scene. Mokhtarian competed in the UFC on two occasions, in 2018 and 2019. Subsequently, he dedicated himself to training, highlighting his work in the development of young MMA prospects at the Australian Top Team, alongside his brother Ashkan Mokhtarian. The police have established a crime scene and have initiated a thorough investigation to clarify the circumstances of the murder.Riverstone area officers attended the scene and found a man with gunshot wounds. He was treated by paramedics from the New South Wales Ambulance, but died at the scene. The man has not yet been formally identified. Shortly after the shooting, around 6:15 p.m., emergency services were called to Riverstone Road, near Clark Street, due to a vehicle fire. Firefighters extinguished the flames, but the vehicle was destroyed. Police have established a second crime scene and are investigating whether both incidents are related. Mokhtarian’s student, Jesse Swain, shared a touching tribute on Instagram. Title of the post: “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 would reach at first, stopped me from quitting at the end of 2024 just before he got me the professional opportunities and personally told me my potential in the game. I will make sure to fulfill that potential for him.” Mokhtarian was previously the target of an alleged assassination attempt outside the Australian Top Team gym in the suburb of Wentworthwille, Sydney, in February 2024.A man has died in a shooting in a public place in western Sydney today.
New South Wales Police Statement
