Tragedy in the MMA World: Suman Mokhtarian Murdered in Sydney
The mixed martial arts (MMA) world is in mourning following the murder of Suman Mokhtarian, a former UFC fighter and coach, in what authorities believe was a targeted attack in western Sydney. Mokhtarian, 33, was found dead on Wednesday around 6 p.m. while walking in Riverstone. Emergency services responded to Annaluke Street, where they discovered Mokhtarian with gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of paramedics, he died at the scene. Mokhtarian competed twice in the UFC, in 2018 and 2019, before turning to coaching. He played a key role in the development of some of Australia’s top MMA prospects at the Australian Top Team, alongside his brother Ashkan Mokhtarian. The police have established a crime scene and have launched an investigation to clarify the circumstances of the shooting. A statement from the New South Wales Police indicated that the events are being investigated.Shortly after, around 6:15 p.m., emergency services were called to Riverstone Road, near Clark Street, following reports of a vehicle fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire, but the vehicle was destroyed. Police have established a second crime scene and are investigating whether both incidents are related.Jesse Swain, a student of Mokhtarian, paid an emotional tribute on Instagram. “I 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 him everything I’ve done in MMA. Anyone who knew him personally knows how passionate and inspiring he was and expected the best from you. He pushed me to heights I never thought I would reach when I started, stopped me from giving up at the end of 2024 just before giving 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 the suburb of Wentworthville, Sydney, in February 2024.A man has died in a shooting in a public place in western Sydney today.
New South Wales Police Statement
