Friends Reveal the Hidden Struggles of UFC Fighter Suman Mokhtarian Before His Death

Date: October 10, 2025

The MMA world continues to mourn the devastating loss of Suman Mokhtarian, but behind the tragedy lies a story few truly knew — a story of quiet battles, emotional exhaustion, and a man fighting more than just opponents inside the cage.

Mokhtarian, a former UFC featherweight fighter, was shot and killed during an evening walk in Sydney’s Riverstone district earlier this week. While the news headlines focused on the shocking violence, his close friends and former teammates have begun to share a more intimate portrait of the man — one marked by loyalty, compassion, and deep personal pain.

A Fighter in Every Sense — Inside and Outside the Octagon

Friends describe Suman as someone who never stopped fighting — not just in the cage but against his own demons. Known for his intense discipline and relentless drive, those close to him say he often hid his struggles behind a calm, confident demeanor.

“Suman was the type who would check on everyone else but never talk about what he was going through,” said one of his former teammates, who requested anonymity. “He carried a lot — pressure, expectations, and maybe some trauma from his early life. But he’d always smile through it.”

In the hyper-competitive world of MMA, where toughness is celebrated and vulnerability often hidden, Mokhtarian’s quiet endurance resonated with many fighters who saw parts of themselves in his journey.

A Promising Career Interrupted

Mokhtarian’s path to the UFC was the dream of many. After his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter in 2018, he earned his UFC contract and entered the featherweight division with determination. Though he lost his two official bouts — against Sodiq Yusuff and Seung Woo Choi — his technical skill and mental toughness gained respect throughout the MMA community.

After stepping away from active competition, Mokhtarian turned to coaching, dedicating his time to developing younger fighters. Many of his trainees describe him as “the big brother everyone wished they had.”

Unspoken Struggles Behind the Smile

While details surrounding his death remain under investigation, those who knew Suman believe he had been coping with personal and professional difficulties long before that tragic evening walk. Friends say he had recently become more withdrawn, though still deeply devoted to helping others in the gym.

“He gave so much of himself,” said Ali Hassan, one of his closest friends. “He saved me when I was at my lowest. He’d always tell me to keep fighting — but I wish he had let us help him too.”

Another teammate, Jesse Swain, wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post: “Suman believed in me more than I believed in myself. I owe all I’ve done in MMA to him. I’ll make sure to fulfill that potential for him. RIP Suman.”

Police Investigation Continues

According to the New South Wales Police, emergency services were called to Annaluke Street, Riverstone, around 6 p.m. after reports of gunfire. Despite paramedics’ efforts, Mokhtarian died at the scene. A nearby car fire, discovered minutes later, is being investigated for potential connection to the shooting.

Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers as they continue to piece together the events leading to the fatal attack.

Legacy of a Fighter, Mentor, and Friend

As the MMA community grieves, tributes have poured in from around the world. Former opponents, teammates, and fans alike describe Suman Mokhtarian as a man of heart — someone who lifted others even when he was weighed down himself.

“The fight game is brutal,” one coach remarked. “People see the glory, but they don’t see the sacrifice. Suman gave everything he had — to the sport, to his friends, to his students. His loss hits different because he was one of the good ones.”

Mokhtarian’s death serves as a haunting reminder that even warriors face unseen battles. As those who loved him search for answers, many hope his story sparks deeper conversations about mental health and emotional support in combat sports.