URGENT UPDATE: Former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian, aged 33, was tragically shot dead in broad daylight in Riverstone, Sydney, at approximately 6:00 PM on Wednesday. Police are investigating the incident as a targeted attack, sending shockwaves through the mixed martial arts community.
Witnesses reported Mokhtarian was out for a walk when he was gunned down. Emergency services were quickly dispatched, and shortly after, at 6:15 PM, they responded to a vehicle fire just around the corner. The car was completely destroyed, raising suspicions about its connection to the shooting.
Superintendent Jason Joyce condemned the violence, stating, “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.” He expressed his condolences, emphasizing the traumatic experience for witnesses of the horrific event.
Mokhtarian, who fought twice in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, last competed in 2019, losing to Korean featherweight Seung Woo Choi. He was also known as the owner and head coach of Australian Top Team, a gym located in Wentworthville, Sydney. His impact on the sport and his students was profound.
Fighter Jesse Swain, who trained under Mokhtarian, expressed his grief on Instagram, stating, “Suman believed in me more than I believed in myself. I owe all I’ve done in MMA to him.” He described Mokhtarian as passionate and supportive, stating he prevented him from quitting just before securing professional opportunities.
Another coach, Romel Luistro, who has guided recent UFC debutants, also shared his heartbreak, posting, “RIP brother.” The outpouring of grief highlights the significant influence Mokhtarian had on his peers and students.
Authorities are currently searching for a suspect, with reports of a vehicle fleeing the scene shortly after the shooting. No arrests have been made as police continue their investigation.
This incident follows a troubling trend of violence in Sydney, occurring just a day after police apprehended three men allegedly en route to carry out a gangland hit at a daycare center. The community is on high alert as authorities work to address this growing concern over public safety.
As the investigation unfolds, residents and mixed martial arts enthusiasts alike are left reeling from this devastating loss. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as police strive to bring those responsible to justice while ensuring the safety of the community.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
