Sydney (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian was fatally shot in a suspected gangland targeted attack while out for a walk in Sydney’s western suburb of Riverstone. His death follows a previous assassination attempt and has shocked the MMA and local communities.
Ex-UFC fighter shot dead in Sydney
As reported by Liam Thorp of The Independent, Suman Mokhtarian, aged 33, was shot and killed around 6 pm on Wednesday evening while walking in Riverstone, a suburb in the west of Sydney, Australia. New South Wales Police confirmed a man died from gunshot wounds at the scene on Annaluke Street after emergency services arrived, but they did not name Mokhtarian initially. A vehicle fire close by suggests this was a coordinated attack.
Suspected gangland assassination
According to Tommy Lutton of SportBible, police believe Mokhtarian’s death was a targeted gangland shooting. A red Audi reportedly pulled up near where Mokhtarian was walking before a gunman fired multiple shots. Despite paramedics’ efforts, Mokhtarian succumbed to wounds in the upper torso at the scene.
Jason Joyce, commander of Riverstone Police Area, said, “You’d want to think that in a residential area like that, people could wander the streets at that time of night and be safe, but we do believe it’s a targeted attack.” The nearby vehicle blaze may be linked to the shooting, according to police investigations.
Previous attempts on Mokhtarian’s life
The 33-year-old had survived a previous assassination attempt in February 2024 outside the Australian Top Team gym in Wentworthville, where he coached. The attacker, disguised as a delivery driver, fired multiple shots but missed Mokhtarian. The suspect was arrested and later released on bail.
Concerns about Mokhtarian’s safety led to the cancellation of a local MMA event in April 2025 due to fears another attempt might occur, underscoring ongoing threats to his life.i
Career highlights and MMA community reaction
Mokhtarian fought professionally in the UFC, competing on The Ultimate Fighter season 27 and compiling a pro record of 8 wins and 2 losses. His last UFC fight occurred in 2018. Alongside his brother Ash Mokhtarian, he co-founded the Australian Top Team gym, becoming a respected figure in Sydney’s MMA scene. Several teammates and MMA peers shared tributes on social media mourning his death as a great athlete and person.
Michelle Rowland, MP and Federal Attorney-General, expressed condolences on social media, calling the violence “senseless” and unacceptable for the community of Riverstone, home to many young families.
Police investigation and community impact
The incident marks the fourth suspected gangland shooting in Sydney’s north-west suburbs recently, heightening concerns over organised crime and public safety. Police have established crime scenes at both the shooting site and the car fire location, continuing inquiries into links between the two events.
Authorities have not publicly identified any suspects linked to the latest shooting but are investigating potential connections to gang-related activities in the area.
Legacy and final remarks
Suman Mokhtarian’s death highlights growing gang violence challenges within Sydney. It also reveals the dangers faced by former fighters who sometimes attract unwanted attention beyond their sports career. The MMA community continues to mourn a talented athlete whose life was tragically cut short.