On the evening of October 8, 2025, Suman Mokhtarian, 33, was fatally shot in Riverstone, Sydney. Emergency services arrived quickly, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire, and a red Audi was seen leaving the area. Police believe this was a targeted attack.
“It’s very brazen, and it’s a shame that this is happening in our community,” Riverstone police superintendent Jason Joyce said, per the Herald. “You’d want to think that in a residential area that people could wander the streets at that time of night and be safe, but we do believe it’s a targeted attack. My heart goes out to the family of this victim, and certainly any of the people that witnessed it, [it] would have been a horrific thing to witness, and it’s certainly not something we tolerate in the community.”
Mokhtarian competed in two UFC bouts, facing Seung Woo Choi and Sodiq Yusuff. Before joining the UFC, he had an 8-0 professional record. He appeared on The Ultimate Fighter 27 and later contributed to the sport as a coach at Australian Top Team and as a promoter for Urban Fight Night in Sydney.
Past Threats and Safety Concerns
In April 2024, Mokhtarian was reportedly the target of an assassination attempt. Authorities stepped in to cancel an event he was coaching due to safety concerns. His brother, Ashkan Mokhtarian, also a former UFC competitor, faced drug supply charges in 2023.
The Australian MMA community expressed shock and sorrow at his passing. Fighters, coaches, and fans shared condolences online, remembering him as a dedicated coach and influential figure in Australian MMA.
New South Wales Police continue to investigate the incident. They are exploring possible connections to recent gang-related events in the region, including a drive-by shooting targeting another MMA figure just days earlier. Authorities encourage witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
