Former UFC Fighter Suman Mokhtarian Fatally Shot in Suspected Gangland Attack in Sydney

Former UFC fighter and Australian Top Team coach Suman Mokhtarian has been killed in a suspected gangland shooting in Sydney’s northwest.

Police say the 31-year-old was shot while out for a walk near the corner of Annaluke Street and Riverbrae Avenue in Riverstone about 6pm on Wednesday evening. Witnesses reported that a gunman in a red Audi opened fire before fleeing the scene. Paramedics attempted to save Mokhtarian’s life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mokhtarian, who competed in the UFC and was a respected figure in the Australian MMA community, had reportedly survived an earlier attempt on his life in February 2024, when he was allegedly targeted in a shooting at the Australian Top Team gym in Wentworthville. Police also cancelled a planned MMA event in April this year over concerns for his safety.

Detectives have established multiple crime scenes across Riverstone, with two vehicles found torched shortly after the attack. Riverstone Police Commander Superintendent Jason Joyce described the incident as “very brazen” and said early investigations suggest it was a targeted attack.

“It’s a shame that this is happening in our community,” Superintendent Joyce 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.”

While investigators are exploring possible underworld links, police said it is too early to confirm any motive. Federal MP Michelle Rowland, who represents the area, said she was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the shooting, calling the violence “distressing and unacceptable.”

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

‍

‍