UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian shot dead in daylight shooting in Sydney’s West
Former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian was shot dead while walking on a suburban street in Sydney’s west on Wednesday evening.
The professional fighter turned coach was killed near the corner of Annaluke Street and Riverbrae Avenue in Riverstone around 6pm.
Emergency services arrived to find Mokhtarian suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by NSW Ambulance paramedics, he died at the scene.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Police quickly established a crime scene and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Police Superintendent Jason Joyce described the attack as “very brazen” and expressed sorrow over the incident happening in the community.
“But we do believe it’s a targeted attack. My heart goes out to the family of this victim,” he said.
Around 6.15pm, emergency crews were also called to a car fire nearby on Riverstone Road, close to Clark Street.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but the vehicle was destroyed. Authorities have set up a second crime scene to investigate potential links between the two incidents.
Mokhtarian had previously survived an attempt on his life in February last year when a gunman disguised as a food delivery driver opened fire outside his gym.
Earlier this year, New South Wales police cancelled a ‘Dark Matter Fighting Championship’ event where Mokhtarian was due to coach, amid concerns he was a potential target.
A significant figure in Australian MMA, Mokhtarian was the founder of Australian Top Team and a former UFC athlete and “Ultimate Fighter” veteran.
He compiled an 8-2 professional record, beginning his career undefeated with eight straight wins before joining the UFC where he lost his two fights and later transitioned to coaching.
Fellow fighters and students have paid tribute to Mokhtarian since news of his death spread. ‘Ultimate Fighter’ alum Tyler Diamond wrote, “He had a genuinely good heart. This is sad to see.”
One of Mokhtarian’s students, Jesse Swain, posted a heartfelt message: “Suman believed in me more than I believed in myself. I owe all I’ve done in MMA to him… He pushed me to heights I never thought I’d get to… I’ll make sure to fulfill that potential for him.”
