Former UFC Fighter Suman Mokhtarian was killed on Wednesday in a targeted shooting in Riverstone, Sydney, Australia. Mokhtarian, who was also the founder of Australian Top Team and a veteran of The Ultimate Fighter, had previously survived an assassination attempt.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred around 6 PM local time. Emergency responders arrived at the scene but were unable to save Mokhtarian. A vehicle that had been set on fire was located nearby, raising suspicions of a coordinated attack.
History and Background
- Suman Mokhtarian had an MMA record of 8-2.
- He was known for his early career success, starting with an impressive 8-0 record.
- In the UFC, he fought against notable athletes such as “Super” Sodiq Yusuff and Seung Woo Choi.
- Mokhtarian appeared on The Ultimate Fighter 27, where he lost to Ricky Steele.
His brother, Ashkan Mokhtarian, also a former UFC competitor, has faced legal issues related to drug offenses. Ashkan had pleaded guilty to drug charges in 2020 and was arrested again in 2023. Neither brother has fought since 2019, and both held 0-2 records in the UFC.
Previous Assassination Attempt
Earlier this year, Mokhtarian survived an attack by a man posing as a delivery driver. This person shot at him but was arrested shortly after and charged with attempted murder. The assailant was later released on bail, complicating the situation further.
Community Reactions
The MMA community has expressed their shock and grief over Mokhtarian’s death. Tyler Diamond, a fellow competitor from TUF 27, paid tribute on social media, stating, “He had a genuinely good heart. This is sad to see.”
Investigation Outcome
At this time, there have been no arrests made in connection with Suman Mokhtarian’s murder. Investigators continue to work to find those responsible for the tragic incident.
