The MMA world is in mourning after former UFC featherweight fighter and coach Suman Mokhtarian, 33, was shot dead in Sydney’s Riverstone, in what authorities suspect was a targeted attack. Mokhtarian was reportedly walking near the intersection of Annaluke Street and Riverbrae Avenue around 6 pm on Wednesday when he was shot in the upper torso. Despite the swift response from NSW Ambulance paramedics, he died at the scene. Witnesses reported a red Audi fleeing the area, and two other vehicles believed to be linked to the incident were later found torched nearby, intensifying concerns of gang involvement. Riverstone Police Area Commander Jason Joyce described the attack as “brazen,” while Federal Attorney-General and local MP Michelle Rowland condemned the violence and expressed condolences to Mokhtarian’s family.
Mokhtarian was widely respected in the MMA community for his contributions as both a fighter and coach. After competing in the UFC in 2018 and 2019, he retired from active competition to focus on coaching, working alongside his brother Ashkan Mokhtarian at Australian Top Team. He was instrumental in developing Australia’s top MMA prospects, and his dedication to mentoring young fighters earned him admiration across the sport.
Tragically, 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 when a man disguised as a food delivery driver opened fire, but the gun jammed. The suspect was arrested and charged with attempted murder but was later released on bail due to insufficient forensic evidence.
The MMA community has been vocal in expressing grief over his death. Jesse Swain, one of Mokhtarian’s students, wrote 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.”
Investigators are continuing their probe into Mokhtarian’s death, urging anyone with information to come forward. The loss of a fighter, coach, and mentor whose influence extended far beyond the octagon has left the Australian MMA community reeling.
