Former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian gunned down in broad daylight

Multiple UFC & MMA stars have paid tribute amid reports that the Australian was killed in Sydney.

The MMA world is in mourning following the tragic death of former UFC featherweight fighter Suman Mokhtarian, who was shot dead in what police are calling a targeted attack in Sydney’s north-west. The 33-year-old athlete was killed in Riverstone at around 6 p.m. on Wednesday while reportedly out for a walk.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, but Mokhtarian could not be saved. Just minutes later, authorities were called to a nearby car fire on a neighboring street, with investigators now exploring whether the incidents are linked. Police have since launched a major investigation, vowing to bring those responsible to justice.

Superintendent Jason Joyce condemned the violence, describing the incident as “unacceptable and tragic.”

He added, “It’s a shame that this is happening in our community. 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. My heart goes out to the family of this victim and anyone who witnessed such a horrific event.”

Tributes pour in from the MMA community

Mokhtarian’s death has sent shockwaves through the Australian combat sports scene. Fellow fighters, coaches, and friends have flooded social media with tributes, remembering him not only as a competitor but as a mentor and inspiration.

Fighter Jesse Swain, who trained under Mokhtarian, shared an emotional message on Instagram.

“Suman believed in me more than I believed in myself. I owe all I’ve done in MMA to him. Anyone that knew him personally knows how passionate and invigorating he was. He stopped me from quitting in late 2024 right before he got me professional opportunities.”

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A post shared by Jesse Swain (@jesseswain2.0)

Perth-based coach Romel Luistro, who trains UFC newcomers Quillan Salkilld and Cody Haddon, also paid tribute, saying he was “heartbroken” by the news.

““RIP brother,” Luistro wrote.

Suman Mokhtarian’s career and legacy in Australian MMA

Suman Mokhtarian competed twice in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), debuting in 2018. His final fight came in 2019 against Seung Woo Choi, where he lost via unanimous decision. Though his UFC tenure was brief, Mokhtarian was a respected figure in the Australian MMA community.

Outside the Octagon, he was the owner and head coach of Australian Top Team, a gym based in Wentworthville in Sydney’s west. There, he mentored dozens of fighters and helped grow the sport at the grassroots level.

His sudden passing has left a deep void among his students and peers, many of whom credit Mokhtarian for shaping their careers and character. He will be remembered not just as a fighter, but as a teacher, motivator, and friend whose influence extended far beyond the cage.

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