Suman Mokhtarian – Foto: Divulgação UFC
New South Wales police confirmed the death of Suman Mokhtarian, a former Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter, aged 33, after he was shot in the upper torso. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Wednesday (8) in a residential street in Riverstone, a Sydney suburb, Australia. Authorities classify the case as a targeted and premeditated attack, with indications of local criminal group involvement. Medical teams attempted resuscitation at the scene, but the athlete succumbed to his injuries.
Mokhtarian was walking at the intersection of Annaluke Street and Riverbrae Avenue when the shooter, who fled in a red Audi, opened fire. Dashcam footage captured the vehicle speeding away from the scene. Shortly after, the car was found burned in a nearby area, alongside a white van also set ablaze. Investigators are examining connections between the vehicles and the crime.
This marks the third violent incident targeting Mokhtarian in under two years. In February 2024, he survived an assassination attempt outside the Australian Top Team gym in Wentworthville. A 21-year-old man, disguised as a delivery worker, fired at him during a children’s class but missed. The suspect, Noa Touma, was arrested and released on bail.
In April 2024, New South Wales police canceled the inaugural Dark Matter Fighting Championship event, where Mokhtarian was set to coach, due to warnings of a homicide risk linked to gang disputes. His brother, Ashkan Mokhtarian, another ex-UFC fighter, was arrested in November 2023 for alleged drug trafficking, fueling suspicions of ties to organized crime.
Career in mixed martial arts
Suman Mokhtarian began his professional career in 2012, earning consecutive victories that led to the 27th season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2018. He amassed eight wins in ten fights before joining the UFC, where he lost to Sodiq Yusuff and Seung Woo Choi in 2018 and 2019, respectively. After injuries, he shifted focus to coaching.
The Australian Top Team gym, co-founded with his brother Ashkan in Sydney, trained numerous Australian MMA talents. Mokhtarian served as head coach, promoting events like Urban Fight Night. His transition from fighter to mentor influenced a generation of athletes in the region.
Students praise Mokhtarian’s dedication to their personal development. He emphasized discipline and technique in rigorous training, contributing to the sport’s growth in Australia. The gym continues to operate, though the incident has left its community in mourning.
History of violence and police investigations
New South Wales authorities are searching for the shooter and exploring links to Sydney gang activities. Commander Jason Joyce described the act as bold, occurring during peak hours in a residential area. Witnesses reported multiple gunshots and a child near the scene, pulled into a house by an adult.
- Burned vehicles: A red Audi and a white van were found in flames shortly after the crime, matching the suspect’s getaway description.
- Gang suspicions: Investigators connect the case to criminal disputes, including the February 2024 attempt.
- Brother’s arrest: Ashkan Mokhtarian faces drug supply charges since 2023, possibly indicating involved networks.
- Event cancellation: In April, police intervened in the Dark Matter event to prevent immediate risk to the coach.
Police are requesting security camera footage and public appeals to identify the suspect. Forensic teams are processing the scene for ballistic evidence.
MMA community and official reactions
Jesse Swain, a Mokhtarian student, expressed gratitude for the career support received via social media. Other Australian Top Team athletes shared memories of intense training under his guidance. The UFC has not issued an official statement yet.
Federal MP Michelle Rowland condemned the incident and called for enhanced security in vulnerable suburbs. NSW emergency services noted their swift response, though they highlighted the severity of the injuries. The Riverstone community has increased vigilance following the event.
The case underscores concerns about shootings in Australian urban areas, rare since strict 1996 gun laws. Authorities are monitoring similar patterns in Sydney.
Family ties and sports legacy
Mokhtarian came from a family tied to MMA, with his brother Ashkan also competing in the UFC without wins. Together, they expanded their gym into a talent hub, attracting national prospects. Suman prioritized student well-being, blending mental and physical preparation.
His 8-2 record reflects skills in grappling and striking, honed in regional circuits before his international breakthrough. Post-TUF, he promoted independent events, strengthening the local scene. His legacy endures through the fighters he mentored.
Incident location and initial procedures
Riverstone, 50 km from Sydney, has seen rising organized crime incidents in recent years. The attack occurred on a busy public road, with paramedics arriving within minutes. An autopsy will confirm the exact cause of death.
Investigations proceed with ballistic trajectory analysis and witness statements. NSW police are coordinating searches in nearby neighborhoods.
