Dec 1, 2018; Adelaide, Australia; Suman Mokhtarian (red gloves) reacts to losing against Sodiq Yusuff (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Elsby-USA TODAY Sports

Former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian was shot dead Wednesday in his native Australia.

The shooting happened in Riverstone, New South Wales, just after 6 p.m. local time, according to New South Wales police. Mokhtarian was killed after being shot in the upper torso. Paramedics tried to revive Mokhtarian on scene but were unsuccessful. He was 33.

Police did not publicly identify Mokhtarian by name and declined to do when contacted by MMA Junkie. However, the Daily Telegraph reported Mokhtarian was the victim, which was confirmed on social media by multiple fighters he coached at his gym, Australian Top Team.

Emergency services also received two reports of vehicles ablaze in the area around the same time. One of the vehicles was a red Audi, which police say match the vehicle description of the shooter. Police are investigating if the incidents are related.

Police are still in search of the gunman and said they believe the attack was targeted.

Previous attempts to kill Mokhtarian

The attempt on Mokhtarian's life was not the first. In February 2024, a 21-year-old gunman, Noa Touma, allegedly attempted to kill Mokhtarian outside Australian Top Team, firing a pistol from close range as children's classes were being taught. The gunman, who police said was disguised as a delivery driver, was arrested but released on bail.

In April, New South Wales police forced cancellation of upstart regional promotion Dark Matter Fighting Championship's inaugural event, citing a potential gang-related murder attempt. Mokhtarian was set to coach several athletes on the card.

Who was Suman Mokhtarian?

Mokhtarian carved out an undefeated professional record on the Australian regional scene before "The Ultimate Fighter, Season 27" casted him in the featherweight tournament.

Despite losing to Ricky Steele in the opening round, the UFC offered Mokhtarian a contract. He was quickly knocked out by Sodiq Yusuff in his UFC debut in December 2018 before losing a unanimous decision to Seung Woo Choi in December 2019.

Mokhtarian would never compete in MMA again, battling several injuries and setbacks. While his competitive career was on hold, he continued to coach fighters at Australian Top Team alongside his brother and fellow UFC alum Ashkan Mokhtarian.

Fighters pay tribute

Several of Mokhtarian's students posted heartfelt tributes to their coach on social media, including undefeated pros Jesse Swain (2-0) and Ali Hassan (2-0), as well as amateur fighters Luke Jacob (4-3) and Daniel Laudet (2-4).

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian shot dead in apparent targeted attack

Reporting by Nolan King, MMA Junkie / MMA Junkie

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