Former Australian UFC Fighter Shot Dead in Sydney

Former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian was shot dead in a brazen, targeted attack while taking an early evening walk in Riverstone, a suburb in north-west Sydney, police reported. This marks the second attempt on his life in recent months.

The 33-year-old succumbed to gunshot wounds on Wednesday evening, according to New South Wales Police. Authorities described the attack as “targeted” and indicative of escalating organised crime in the area.

Shortly after the shooting, two cars were found ablaze in separate locations, a pattern often associated with recent organised crime hits in Sydney.

NSW Police Superintendent Jason Joyce commented: “It’s very brazen and it’s a shame that this is happening in our community. You’d want to think that in a residential area people could wander the streets safely at that time of evening, but we do believe it’s a targeted attack.”

Local witnesses described chaotic scenes:

Mokhtarian previously survived an assassination attempt in February, when a gunman opened fire on him outside a gym in western Sydney.

According to ESPN, Mokhtarian fought twice in the UFC, in 2018 and 2019, losing both bouts. After retiring from active competition, he transitioned into coaching, helping to develop some of Australia’s top mixed martial arts prospects.

The killing coincided with heightened law enforcement activity, coming a day after police foiled a “kill team” carrying firearms, balaclavas, body cameras, and jerrycans while heading to a daycare centre. Authorities are currently investigating whether the two incidents are connected.

Supt. Joyce emphasised the seriousness of the crime: “This type of attack in a residential community is unacceptable, and we are exploring all leads to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

The investigation is ongoing, with NSW Police seeking information from anyone with knowledge of the incident or the suspect(s).