Former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian has died at the age of 33 after a public shooting in Australia.
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The incident occurred around 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday, the police report stated. Emergency services responded to reports of a shooting on Annaluke Street in West Sydney. They found a man suffering gunshot wounds.
The police report stated that NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man, whom they would not formally identify. However, he died at the scene of the attack. Around 6:15 p.m. local time, emergency services responded to reports of a car fire on Riverstone Road in the same part of the city.
As of Wednesday, authorities worked to determine whether connections existed between the car fire and the shooting that killed Mokhtarian.
"It's very brazen and it's a shame that this is happening in our community," NSW Police superintendent Jason Joyce said, per CBS News.
"You'd want to think that in a residential area that people could wander the streets at that time of (early) night and be safe, but we do believe it's a targeted attack."
Mokhtarian previously survived an attempt on his life. Back in 2024, a gunman fired on the former fighter-turned-coach outside of a gym in Sydney.
The 33-year-old fought twice in the UFC. He fought Sodiq Yusuff in 2018 and lost by TKO (Technical Knockout). He then faced off with Seungwoo Choi in a featherweight division fight in 2019 and lost by unanimous decision.
The Australian moved into coaching after the second bout. He began working alongside his brother, Ashkan, at Australian Top Team. They coached several prospects over the years, including undefeated bantamweight fighter Matty Iann.
"My brother, I've struggled to put my feelings into words because the tears won't stop rolling down my face," Iann posted on Instagram. "There's so much to say, but you know how strong our bond was, so I'll keep it short. You've been by my side since I was a kid followed me into battle countless times. We spent countless hours in the training room together, sharing blood, sweat, and tears.
"I wouldn't be half the man or fighter I am today without you. You were more than a coach or a mentor you were my brother. I always felt the care and love you had for me. What a beautiful heart you had.
"We made a promise to each other to reach the pinnacle of the UFC together, and I vow to fulfill that promise with you in my heart always, brother. You followed me wherever I went and gave me more than anyone will ever be able to give. You carried me this far, i promise to carry us rest of the way."
