Was It Targeted? Investigators Explore Motive Behind UFC Fighter’s Killing

Date: October 10, 2025

By MMA Insider News

The shocking death of Suman Mokhtarian, a former UFC featherweight fighter, has taken a new turn as investigators dig deeper into whether the fatal shooting was a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence. The 33-year-old was shot and killed during an evening walk in Sydney’s western suburb of Riverstone on Wednesday — an incident that has sent shockwaves through the MMA community and raised troubling questions about motive and intent.

New Leads Suggest a Calculated Ambush

Authorities in New South Wales are now examining Mokhtarian’s past connections and the possibility of premeditation. Sources close to the investigation suggest that the timing, location, and method of attack indicate it may not have been a random crime. Just minutes after the shooting, a vehicle was found burned out less than a mile away — a tactic often associated with organized or pre-planned hits.

Detective Inspector Mark Reynolds of the Riverstone Police Command stated, “We are pursuing several lines of inquiry, including whether the victim was specifically targeted. Given the vehicle fire and the history involved, we are not ruling anything out.”

A History Shadowed by Violence

While Mokhtarian was beloved by teammates and fans for his coaching and mentorship, his name had surfaced in connection with an alleged assassination attempt over 18 months ago. Though never charged, the incident left many wondering whether he was caught in the wrong crowd — or whether someone had been waiting to settle unfinished business.

Those close to him, however, describe a man who had turned his life around. After leaving the UFC, he devoted himself to training younger fighters and helping them find purpose in mixed martial arts. “Suman was all about second chances,” said a former student at his Sydney gym. “He wanted to prove that no one’s past defines their future.”

Remembering the Fighter and the Mentor

Tributes continue to pour in across social media as the MMA world grapples with his loss. Former teammate Jesse Swain shared an emotional message: “Suman believed in me more than I believed in myself. I owe my entire MMA journey to him. I’ll keep fighting for him.”

Another close friend, Ali Hassan, posted, “He pulled me from the lowest point in my life. He didn’t just teach fighting — he taught faith, discipline, and loyalty. May Allah have mercy on him.”

These heartfelt tributes reflect not only Mokhtarian’s impact as a fighter but also as a mentor and brother within the Australian MMA community.

Police Plead for Public Assistance

Authorities have established two separate crime scenes — one at Annaluke Street, Riverstone, where the shooting occurred, and another on Riverstone Road, where the torched vehicle was discovered. Investigators are now analyzing forensic evidence and reviewing surveillance footage from surrounding areas.

The New South Wales Police have urged anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers immediately. “Every detail counts,” a police spokesperson said. “Even the smallest lead could help us uncover whether this was a calculated killing.”

MMA Community Awaits Answers

As the investigation intensifies, questions linger about who might have wanted Mokhtarian dead — and why. Was the former UFC fighter the victim of retaliation, mistaken identity, or a long-simmering personal feud? For now, police remain tight-lipped, and the MMA world is left mourning a man who fought battles both inside and outside the cage.

Whether justice will be served remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the legacy of Suman Mokhtarian continues to echo through every fighter he inspired.