Former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian has died in a shooting in Sydney. The 33-year-old athlete was killed in what police believe may be a gang-related attack.
Gunfire In Riverstone
According to reports, the incident happened on Wednesday evening around 6 p.m. in Riverstone, New South Wales. Witnesses said they heard several gunshots as Mokhtarian went for an evening walk. Shots were reportedly fired from a red Audi. Emergency responders arrived quickly and tried to save him, but he died from gunshot wounds to his upper torso.
Police Hunt For The Shooter
Authorities in New South Wales have launched a major investigation. Detectives believe the attack may have been targeted or connected to ongoing gang conflicts. Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses in an effort to identify the shooter.
Previous Attack On Mokhtarian
This was not the first time Suman Mokhtarian’s life was in danger. In February 2024, a gunman disguised as a delivery worker allegedly tried to shoot him outside the Australian Top Team gym in Wentworthville. The suspect fired several rounds at close range while children’s classes were taking place inside. Mokhtarian escaped injury during that attack.
Cancelled Event Over Gang Fears
In April, New South Wales authorities canceled the launch of the Dark Matter Fighting Championship, where Mokhtarian was set to coach multiple fighters. Police reportedly feared the event could become the target of another gang-related assault.
Fighter’s Career In The Octagon
Suman Mokhtarian appeared in Season 27 of The Ultimate Fighter as part of Team Miocic in the featherweight division. Although he lost his opening match to Ricky Steele by unanimous decision, he impressed enough to earn a UFC contract.
Final Fights And Record
Mokhtarian made his UFC debut at the Adelaide event in December 2018, where he suffered a first-round knockout against Sodiq Yusuff. A year later, he returned to face SeungWoo Choi at UFC Busan but lost by unanimous decision. That bout marked the end of his mixed martial arts career. Mokhtarian finished with a professional record of 8 wins and 2 losses, including six victories by submission.
