Former UFC featherweight fighter and mixed martial arts (MMA) coach Suman Mokhtarian was tragically shot dead in Sydney’s western suburb of Riverstone. The 33-year-old was reportedly taking a walk near the intersection of Annaluke Street and Riverbrae Avenue around 6 p.m. on Wednesday when the attack occurred.
Even with immediate treatment by NSW Ambulance paramedics, Mokhtarian died at the scene after being hit by a gunshot wound to his upper body.
Who was Suman Mokhtarian?
Suman Mokhtarian was a great UFC featherweight competitor who fought twice between 2019 and 2018. Having retired from professional fighting, he spent the rest of his life coaching young MMA players back in Australia.
He co-founded and trained at Australian Top Team, alongside his brother Ashkan Mokhtarian, another successful MMA competitor. Together, they trained some of the up-and-coming stars in the Australian MMA landscape. Suman was most noted for his discipline, drive, and enthusiasm for guiding up-and-coming fighters to success.
Police Suspect Targeted Attack On Suman Mokhtarian
Authorities suspect the shooting was not random but a targeted attack that might be gang-related. The police said witnesses reported seeing a red Audi speeding away from the scene of the shooting. Subsequently, two cars suspected to be involved in the shooting were discovered torched on adjacent streets.
Riverstone Police Area Commander Jason Joyce termed the incident as “brazen” and had serious concern over public safety. He also offered condolences to Mokhtarian’s family.
Local MP and Federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has condemned the act of violence strongly and demanded justice.
Earlier Suman Mokhtarian Was Attacked
This was not the first experience of Mokhtarian with violence. In February 2024, Mokhtarian had survived a suspected assassination attempt near his gym in Wentworthville. A gunman posing as a food delivery driver had opened fire, but the gun jammed, enabling Suman to get away unscathed.
The attacker was subsequently arrested and charged with attempting murder, but the case collapsed after inadequate forensic evidence, and the suspect was released on bail.
Tributes To Suman Mokhtarian From MMA Community
Tributes have poured onto social media after Mokhtarian’s passing. One of his students, Jesse Swain, posted an emotional message on Instagram:
“Couldn’t sleep last night after the news. Suman believed more in me than I ever believed in myself. I owe everything I have done in MMA to him. Anyone who knew him can tell you how passionate and energizing he was, and he demanded nothing but the best from you.”
The MMA community will remember Suman as a mentor, coach, and inspiration who molded many young fighters’ careers.
Suman Mokhtarian Shooting Probe Underway
A full-scale homicide investigation has been opened by police into the killing of Mokhtarian. They want witnesses and people with dashcam evidence or information to contact them.
While Sydney mourns the passing of a legendary athlete and coach, the MMA community recalls Suman Mokhtarian as more than just a combatant in the octagon, but a coach, a friend, and a motivator who made a lasting impression on Australian combat sports.
