What's happened
Suman Mokhtarian, a former UFC fighter and MMA coach, was shot and killed in Riverstone, Sydney. The attack appears targeted, with police linking it to previous threats and violence in the area. The incident follows recent police foiling of a potential gang-related attack nearby.
What's behind the headline?
The targeted killing of Mokhtarian underscores the persistent influence of organized crime in Sydney's MMA scene. The brazen nature of the attack, with cars set on fire nearby, indicates a calculated effort to send a message. The police's link to previous threats suggests Mokhtarian was caught in a broader turf war or retaliation cycle. This incident highlights the dangerous intersection of organized crime and regional violence, which will likely escalate unless authorities intensify efforts. The fact that Mokhtarian was a well-known figure in the MMA community, with a history of surviving previous threats, makes this killing particularly significant. It signals a possible shift towards more violent displays of power by criminal groups, which could threaten community safety and the integrity of local sports figures.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post reports that Mokhtarian was shot dead in a targeted attack in Riverstone, Sydney, with police linking the incident to recent organized crime activity, including two cars set on fire nearby. The Independent notes that police have not publicly identified Mokhtarian but confirm the shooting occurred during an evening walk, with previous threats and attempts on his life. The NY Post emphasizes the brazen nature of the attack, with police suspecting a red Audi involved in the shooting and linking it to prior gang-related violence. All sources agree that Mokhtarian's death is part of ongoing organized crime conflicts in Sydney, with police actively investigating the incident and its possible links to previous threats and violence.
How we got here
Mokhtarian, 33, competed twice in the UFC in 2018 and 2019, losing both bouts. He transitioned into coaching and was influential in Australian MMA circles. He had survived an earlier attempt on his life in February 2024, and police had previously linked him to gang-related violence, including a canceled MMA event due to gang threats. The recent attack is seen as part of ongoing organized crime conflicts in Sydney.
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Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia and Oceania. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Port Jackson and extends about 70 km on its periphery towards the Blue Mountains to the west, H