Suman Mokhtarian, a former fighter in the UFC, was tragically shot dead in Sydney, which is being treated as a targeted shooting by investigators. He was only 33 years old.
The incident occurred while Mokhtarian was on a walk in Riverstone, located in Sydney’s western suburbs, on Wednesday, October 8, according to various media reports.
Emergency services swiftly arrived at the scene, but Mokhtarian succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on sight after being discovered with multiple gunshot wounds.
Authorities from New South Wales are currently examining the case and released an official statement on Wednesday regarding the shooting.
“A man has died following a shooting incident in a public area in western Sydney today,” stated the NSW Police. “At approximately 6pm, emergency services were alerted to Annaluke Street, Riverstone due to reports of gunfire.
“Officers from Riverstone Police Area Command responded and discovered a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Medical personnel from NSW Ambulance attended promptly, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity remains unconfirmed.
“A crime scene has been established by police, who have initiated inquiries into the events leading up to this tragic incident. Shortly thereafter, at around 6:15pm, emergency services were summoned to Riverstone Road, near Clark Street, due to a report of a car fire.
“Fire and Rescue NSW responded and extinguished the fire, but the vehicle was completely destroyed. Authorities have set up a second crime scene to determine if the two events are interconnected.”
Suman Mokhtarian. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
In a discussion with 2GB radio’s Ben Fordham on October 9, Police Superintendent Jason Joyce described the shooting as a “disturbing event” for local residents.
“It was a brazen act, and it is unfortunate that such incidents occur in our community,” Joyce commented. “However, we suspect it was a targeted violence.”
He expressed his condolences, stating, “My thoughts are with the family affected by this tragedy.”
A witness, Natalie Hopwood, spoke to news.com.au on October 9, recounting her experience: she called for help after hearing gunshots and observing the victim’s lifeless body.
“I could tell immediately he was not alive; otherwise, I would have rushed to help him,” she stated. “I was outside with my little kids, only one and three years old, when we heard the shots followed by a vehicle passing our home.”
She continued, “I immediately called the police and checked if the man was still alive, but it was clear he was not.”
Following the announcement of Mokhtarian’s passing, an outpour of tributes highlighted the impact he made as a fighter, having participated in UFC events during the years 2018 and 2019.
Mokhtarian’s prior mixed martial arts student, Jesse Swain, took to Instagram to express his feelings following Mokhtarian’s untimely demise.
“I couldn’t sleep after hearing about Suman, so I decided to write this now. First off, Suman had more faith in me than I had in myself,” Swain, 25, shared. “Everything I’ve accomplished in MMA is thanks to him. Anyone familiar with him understands how driven and inspiring he was and he never settled for anything but excellence. He motivated me to reach heights I once thought were impossible.”
He added, “He prevented me from quitting in late 2024 just before opening professional doors for me and he strongly believed in my potential in the sport. I am committed to realizing that potential in his memory. Rest in peace, Suman.”
