In a shocking incident on Wednesday night, Suman Mokhtarian, who is known for his past in UFC fighting, was involved in a shooting that appeared to be a “targeted” and bold attack in a Sydney neighborhood. 

The 33-year-old was killed at an intersection of two residential streets after he was shot in the upper body while out for a walk.

Though Sydney authorities have yet to confirm Mokhtarian’s identity as the victim, several Australian reports and posts from Australian Top Team, the organization he coaches, have surfaced on social media affirming the event. 

Paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced him dead after they were unable to revive him, according to Riverstone Police Area Command.

Superintendent Jason Joyce expressed his concern to The Sydney Morning Herald, stating, “It’s incredibly bold and tragic that this kind of incident is taking place in our community. One would expect that in a suburban area, people could safely walk the streets at such an hour, but we suspect this was a targeted assault. My sympathies are with the victim’s family and those who witnessed this awful event; it’s certainly not something the community will accept.”

A car was seen speeding away from the scene, and authorities were called to two car fires nearby, leading police to investigate whether they were involved in the shooting. 

Authorities said it was possible the male suspect was in a red Audi, which had been one of the burning cars. 

“We have the description of potentially one male in the vehicle,” Joyce said. “That’s all we know at this stage from the witnesses, [and it] was seen to speed away from the location, and that vehicle was found burnt out shortly thereafter.”

He was undefeated professionally on the regional scene in Australia before taking part in “The Ultimate Fighter, Season 27.” Mokhtarian hasn’t fought in UFC since 2019 and has turned to coaching since, but has reportedly been the target of two previous attempts on his life. 

He was the alleged target of a hit on him last year when a shooter, allegedly posing as a food delivery person, began firing outside the Australian Top Team gym. 

An MMA event was canceled in April amid concerns that a gangland hit would target Mokhtarian at the event.

Jesse Swain, one of Mokhtarian’s students, posted a heartfelt goodbye on Instagram.

“Haven’t been able to sleep tonight after hearing the news so decided to post this now, firstly I want to say Suman believed in me more than I believed in myself I owe all I’ve done in MMA to him,” Swain wrote. “Anyone that knew him personally knows how passionate and invigorating he was and he expected nothing but the best from you.

“He pushed me to heights I never thought I’d get to when starting out, he stopped me from quitting in late 2024 right before he got me the professional opportunities and he personally told me my potential in the game I’ll make sure to fulfill that potential for him.”