Inside the Final Hours of Suman Mokhtarian: What Happened Before the Tragic Shooting?

Date: October 10, 2025

In the quiet suburb of Riverstone, Sydney, what began as a routine evening walk for former UFC featherweight fighter Suman Mokhtarian ended in tragedy. Just hours before his death, friends say he appeared calm, optimistic, and focused on his next chapter beyond the cage. Now, police and the MMA community are piecing together what really happened in the final hours before the shooting that claimed his life.

A Calm Day Turns Fatal

According to reports, the 33-year-old fighter left his home in Sydney’s west around dusk for what seemed like a normal stroll. Witnesses told local outlets that Mokhtarian appeared to be on his phone moments before gunfire erupted on Annaluke Street around 6 p.m. By the time emergency responders arrived, he had already succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds.

Less than 15 minutes later, a car was found ablaze on Riverstone Road—just blocks away. Authorities are now investigating whether the charred vehicle is directly connected to Mokhtarian’s death, suggesting the possibility of a planned attack or rapid getaway.

Police Response and the Expanding Investigation

The New South Wales Police confirmed the incident in a public statement:

“A man has died in a public place shooting in Sydney’s west today… Officers found a man suffering gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by paramedics, he died at the scene. The man is yet to be formally identified.”

Investigators have established two active crime scenes and are urging anyone with information or footage from the area to contact Crime Stoppers. While no suspects have been publicly named, early leads indicate a potential link between the shooting and the car fire found minutes later.

Echoes of a Troubled Past

Mokhtarian’s death comes nearly 18 months after reports surfaced of an attempted assassination attempt connected to his circle, raising questions about whether this latest attack was part of an ongoing dispute. Those close to him, however, insist that he had been working to leave old conflicts behind and rebuild his life through coaching and mentorship in mixed martial arts.

From Fighter to Mentor: Mokhtarian’s Life Beyond the Octagon

Before tragedy struck, Suman Mokhtarian had already earned his place in Australian MMA history. A standout on The Ultimate Fighter in 2018, he later signed with the UFC, where he competed in the featherweight division. Though his run included losses to Sodiq Yusuff and Seung Woo Choi, his fighting spirit continued to inspire younger athletes long after he stepped away from the cage.

He transitioned into coaching, helping shape new fighters in Sydney’s gyms. His professional record stood at 8–2, but to many, his influence went far beyond numbers—it was about resilience and redemption.

Friends Remember a Fighter with Heart

The MMA community has been shaken. Friends and teammates flooded social media with emotional tributes, recalling his fierce loyalty and belief in others. Fighter Jesse Swain wrote:

“Suman believed in me more than I believed in myself. I owe everything I’ve done in MMA to him. I’ll carry his legacy forward. RIP brother.”

Another close friend, Ali Hassan, shared:

“Suman got me out of the gutter and gave me hope when I had none. Allah have mercy on him.”

The Road Ahead

As the investigation continues, police are prioritizing Mokhtarian’s case, focusing on potential organized links and motives behind the attack. Meanwhile, the MMA world mourns a fighter whose story was far from over—a man trying to rebuild, mentor, and find peace before fate intervened.

Authorities continue to ask the public for information. Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the Riverstone area on Wednesday evening is encouraged to contact New South Wales Crime Stoppers immediately.