Former UFC featherweight fighter and MMA coach Suman Mokhtarian has been shot dead in Sydney’s western suburb of Riverstone. The 33-year-old was reportedly out for a walk near the intersection of Annaluke Street and Riverbrae Avenue at around 6 pm on Wednesday when he was attacked. Despite the rapid response from NSW Ambulance paramedics, Mokhtarian succumbed to a gunshot wound to his upper torso at the scene.
Authorities suspect the shooting was a targeted attack, potentially linked to gang activity. Witnesses reported seeing a red Audi fleeing the area, and two vehicles believed to be connected to the incident were later found torched on nearby streets. Riverstone Police Area Commander Jason Joyce described the shooting as “brazen,” highlighting concerns for community safety and expressing condolences to Mokhtarian’s family. Federal Attorney-General and local MP Michelle Rowland also condemned the violence.
WHO WAS SUMAN MOKHTARIAN?
Mokhtarian competed twice in the UFC in 2018 and 2019 before retiring from active competition to focus on coaching. He played a key role in developing some of Australia’s top MMA prospects at Australian Top Team, working closely with his brother Ashkan Mokhtarian. His dedication to training and mentoring young fighters earned him widespread respect within the MMA community.
This was not Mokhtarian’s first encounter with violence. In February 2024, he survived an alleged assassination attempt outside the Australian Top Team gym in Wentworthville. A man disguised as a food delivery driver opened fire, but the gun jammed, allowing Mokhtarian to escape. The suspect was arrested and charged with attempted murder but was later released on bail due to insufficient forensic evidence.
Tributes from the MMA community have poured in, including from one of his students, Jesse Swain, who shared on Instagram: “Haven’t been able to sleep tonight after hearing the news. Suman believed in me more than I believed in myself. I owe all I’ve done in MMA to him. Anyone that knew him personally knows how passionate and invigorating he was, and he expected nothing but the best from you.”
The investigation into Mokhtarian’s death is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the community mourns the loss of a fighter and mentor whose impact extended far beyond the octagon.
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