Suman Mokhtarian Shot and Killed While Taking Evening Walk in Sydney’s Riverstone

In a shocking display of violence that has rattled Sydney’s north-western suburbs, 33-year-old Suman Mokhtarian was fatally shot on Wednesday evening, October 8, 2025, while out for a routine walk in the quiet residential area of Riverstone. New South Wales Police have classified the incident as a targeted attack, marking it as the latest in a string of brazen shootings plaguing the city.

Mokhtarian, a former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter and prominent mixed martial arts (MMA) trainer, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds at the scene despite efforts by paramedics to save his life. The killing, which unfolded around 6pm on Annaluke Street near Riverbrae Avenue, has prompted a full-scale manhunt for the perpetrators and raised urgent concerns about escalating gang-related activities in the region.

Emergency services responded swiftly to reports of gunfire in the family-oriented neighborhood, where Mokhtarian was found with critical injuries to his upper body. Witnesses described hearing several shots ring out, with one local resident recounting the terrifying proximity of the attack—a toddler was standing in a nearby driveway just meters away. Paramedics from NSW Ambulance arrived promptly but were unable to revive him, declaring him dead on site. The incident has left the community in disbelief, as Riverstone is typically known for its peaceful streets and young families, not public executions.

Police immediately cordoned off the area, establishing a primary crime scene on Annaluke Street. Within minutes of the shooting, reports emerged of suspicious vehicle fires nearby, which investigators quickly linked to the homicide. At approximately 6:15pm, firefighters were dispatched to Riverstone Road near Clark Street, where a red Audi was fully engulfed in flames and subsequently destroyed. A second blaze was reported on Matthias Street, involving a white van that was also reduced to wreckage.

Authorities have set up additional crime scenes at these locations, treating the fires as deliberate attempts to destroy evidence. Forensic teams are combing through the sites for ballistic material, DNA traces, and any surveillance footage that could identify the suspects. The timing of the attack underscores its audacity: occurring in broad daylight during peak evening hours when residents are out walking dogs or heading home from work. Superintendent Jason Joyce, Riverstone Police Area Commander, addressed the media late Wednesday, emphasizing the unacceptability of such violence in a suburban setting.

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“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,” Joyce stated. He extended condolences to Mokhtarian’s family and acknowledged the trauma inflicted on witnesses, describing the event as a “horrific thing to witness.” As of Thursday morning, October 9, no arrests have been made, but police have appealed for dashcam or mobile phone footage from the public to aid the investigation. Strike Force Cuellar has been activated to coordinate the probe, with resources from the Homicide Squad and State Crime Command deployed.

Background on Suman Mokhtarian: From UFC Octagon to Sydney Gym Owner

Suman Mokhtarian’s life was one marked by athletic prowess, mentorship, and, tragically, entanglement in Sydney’s underworld shadows. Born and raised in Sydney, the 33-year-old rose through the ranks of Australia’s MMA scene before making his mark on the global stage.

He competed twice in the UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, debuting in 2018 with a featherweight bout that showcased his striking skills and resilience. His second appearance came in 2019 in Busan, South Korea, where he faced Seung Woo Choi in a unanimous decision loss. Despite the defeats, Mokhtarian’s tenure in the UFC cemented his reputation as a tough competitor, earning respect from peers for his technical ability and heart.

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Transitioning from fighter to coach, Mokhtarian channeled his experience into building Australian Top Team (ATT), a renowned gym in Wentworthville, Sydney’s west. As owner and head coach, he mentored a new generation of fighters, emphasizing discipline, technique, and mental fortitude. His brother, Ashkan Mokhtarian, co-ran the facility, which became a hub for aspiring UFC talents. On social media, Suman described himself simply as the “owner and head coach of Australian Top Team,” but his impact extended far beyond the mats. He was known for his hands-on approach, often spotted at events supporting his students and promoting the sport.

However, Mokhtarian’s public profile in MMA was overshadowed by reports of his alleged involvement in illicit activities. Police sources indicated he had connections to large-scale drug supply and firearms distribution networks in Sydney’s criminal underbelly. These ties reportedly made him a figure of interest in ongoing gang investigations. Earlier this year, authorities canceled an MMA event in western Sydney out of concerns for his safety, citing intelligence that he was at risk of attack. This was not mere precaution; it foreshadowed the dangers he faced.

Mokhtarian’s death has prompted questions about how deeply the sport’s community intersects with organized crime, with some insiders noting that high-profile gyms can attract unwanted attention from syndicates seeking influence or leverage. Friends and colleagues remember Mokhtarian as a dedicated family man and coach who prioritized his students’ growth. “He was more than a trainer; he was a brother to many of us,” one associate told reporters anonymously. His passing leaves a void in Sydney’s MMA landscape, where he was instrumental in developing prospects who credit him with their breakthroughs. As tributes pour in, the focus shifts to how his personal and professional worlds collided so fatally.

Investigation and Rising Gang Violence in Sydney

The investigation into Mokhtarian’s murder is unfolding amid a surge in gangland-style hits across Sydney, prompting fears of an intensifying underworld war. Detectives believe the shooters—potentially two individuals acting in concert—fled the scene in the red Audi before torching it to evade tracking. The white van fire on Matthias Street is suspected to be a secondary getaway vehicle, though its exact role remains under analysis. Ballistics experts are examining shell casings recovered from Annaluke Street, which could match weapons from prior crimes. NSW Police have seized both vehicles for forensic processing, prioritizing tire tracks, fingerprints, and accelerants used in the fires.

This is not an isolated incident for Mokhtarian. Just 18 months prior, in February 2024, he survived a brazen assassination attempt outside the ATT gym in Wentworthville. Disguised as a food delivery driver, a gunman fired multiple rounds at him, but Mokhtarian escaped with non-life-threatening injuries. That event, linked to the same criminal networks, heightened his profile as a target. Police now suspect Wednesday’s shooting may be retaliatory, possibly connected to a recent drive-by in Sydney’s west or the foiled “kill team” plot uncovered on Tuesday, October 7. In that operation, officers intercepted a group armed with firearms, balaclavas, body cameras, and fuel cans en route to a daycare center—highlighting the reckless escalation in tactics.

Sydney has seen a troubling spike in gun crimes this week alone. On Sunday, October 5, a gunman unleashed up to 50 rounds from an apartment in Croydon Park, critically wounding one man and injuring others in a random barrage. The Riverstone shooting marks the third major incident in four days, fueling calls for enhanced resources. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland, federal member for Greenway encompassing Riverstone, expressed profound shock, stating, “Our community in Riverstone is full of young families, and this kind of senseless violence is distressing and unacceptable.” She pledged support for local policing efforts.

Detective Superintendent Jason Box, NSW Police’s gangs coordinator, warned of a “gangland war” unlike anything in his 30-year career, targeting “wannabe teenage assassins.” Task forces are ramping up surveillance on known syndicates involved in drug and gun trafficking, with Mokhtarian’s alleged associations providing key leads. No motive has been officially confirmed, but sources point to disputes over narcotics distribution. The public is urged to come forward with information via Crime Stoppers, as anonymity is assured.

Tributes and Community Fallout

As the investigation intensifies, the MMA world and Riverstone residents are grappling with profound loss. Fighters who trained under Mokhtarian have shared raw tributes, underscoring his role as a transformative figure. Jesse Swain, a protégé who credits Mokhtarian with his career, posted on Instagram: “Suman believed in me more than I believed in myself. I owe all I’ve done in MMA to him.” Unable to sleep after the news, Swain highlighted Mokhtarian’s unwavering support, calling him a pillar of the sport.

Other athletes echoed similar sentiments, praising his coaching acumen and personal warmth. The UFC issued a statement expressing condolences, noting Mokhtarian’s contributions to the featherweight division. Australian Top Team announced temporary closure of the gym to mourn, with Ashkan Mokhtarian requesting privacy for the family. Community leaders in Riverstone held an impromptu vigil Thursday evening, lighting candles on Annaluke Street and calling for an end to the violence infiltrating their suburb.

The shooting’s ripple effects include heightened patrols and community forums planned by Blacktown City Council. Parents in the area, many with young children, are voicing fears over safety, with one mother telling media outlets, “We moved here for the quiet life, not to dodge bullets.” Schools nearby sent letters reassuring families while counseling was offered to witnesses, including the toddler’s parents.

Mokhtarian’s death serves as a stark reminder of the perils when athletic ambition intersects with crime. As Sydney confronts this wave of shootings, authorities vow relentless pursuit of justice, but the human cost—Mokhtarian’s unfulfilled potential as coach and father—lingers heavily. The city watches anxiously for breakthroughs, hoping to reclaim its streets from the shadows.