Suman Mokhtarian: Former UFC Fighter adn MMA Coach Killed in sydney Shooting
The Australian mixed martial arts (MMA) community is reeling from the tragic death of Suman Mokhtarian, a former UFC fighter and highly respected coach, who was fatally shot in Riverstone, a suburb of Sydney, on Wednesday evening. Police are investigating the incident as a targeted attack, raising concerns about escalating violence within the city’s underworld. This event marks a devastating loss for the sport and those who knew Mokhtarian, and follows a previous alleged attempt on his life earlier in 2024.
What Happened?
At approximately 6:00 PM local time on October 11, 2025, emergency services responded to reports of a shooting on Annaluke Street in Riverstone. Upon arrival, paramedics discovered 33-year-old Mokhtarian suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
New South Wales (NSW) Police have established a crime scene and launched a full examination. A statement released by NSW Police confirmed the incident: “About 6pm today, emergency services were called to Annaluke Street, Riverstone, following reports of a shooting.Officers…found a man suffering gunshot wounds. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however he died at the scene.”
Adding another layer of complexity to the investigation, a car fire was reported shortly after the shooting, approximately 6:15 PM, on Riverstone road near Clark Street. Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze, but the vehicle was wholly destroyed. Police are actively investigating a potential link between the shooting and the vehicle fire. https://www.nswpolice.com.au/
Who Was Suman Mokhtarian?
Suman Mokhtarian transitioned from a promising fighting career to a celebrated coaching role, leaving an indelible mark on the Australian MMA landscape. He competed twice in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2018 and 2019, showcasing his skills on a global stage.While his time in the UFC was brief, he leveraged his experience to nurture the next generation of Australian MMA talent.
Following his retirement from active competition, Mokhtarian became a pivotal figure at Australian Top Team, one of the country’s premier MMA gyms. Alongside his brother, Ashkan Mokhtarian, he dedicated himself to developing fighters, providing expert guidance and fostering a culture of excellence. He was known for his rigorous training methods and unwavering belief in his students’ potential.
A Previous Attempt on His Life
This tragic incident isn’t the first time Mokhtarian’s life has been threatened.In February 2024, he was the target of an alleged assassination attempt outside the Australian Top Team gym in Wentworthville, a western suburb of Sydney. Details surrounding that incident remain under investigation, but it underscores a pattern of violence and suggests Mokhtarian may have been embroiled in hazardous circumstances.