Former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian was shot dead in a suspected gang-related attack on October 8.
MMA is an ever-changing landscape, and it’s easy for fighters to fall out of the spotlight and become forgotten. But instead of focusing on champions and potential title contenders in today’s game, we are highlighting a lesser-known talent who tragically lost his life to gang violence.
Suman Mokhtarian was just 33 years old at the time of his death. The mixed martial arts veteran was shot and killed in a suspected gang-related incident on Wednesday.
Mokhtarian had been the subject of an assassination attempt in February 2024. Fears for his safety have been resurfacing ever since, and for good reason. At around 6 pm in his hometown of Sydney, Australia, emergency services were called to the scene where the UFC alum was found dead.
The Aussie only strapped on the black gloves and made his way to the coveted octagon two times throughout his career. He was given a shot at the big time after an underwhelming performance on TUF, though he failed to mesmerize during his short stint inside the octagon.
Related: Undefeated MMA fighter shot five times in horrific attack
Suman Mokhtarian endured a tough time in the UFC, being thrown in against the wolves for his entire 12-month stretch with the company. A debut outing against featherweight mainstay Sodiq Yusuff ended with a first-round knockout, which was subsequently the first professional defeat of his career.
The 145er spent a year on the sidelines before suffering a unanimous decision loss at the hands of Seung Woo Choi. Choi would go on to fight eight more times with the UFC, 11 times in total.
The Choi defeat in the latter stages of 2019 would unknowingly be the last bout of his career.
A name that will forever be remembered for his dedication to coaching and the legacy he built in founding the Australian Top Team gym. Rest in peace, Suman Mokhtarian.
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