UFC Fighter Sent Chilling Text Before Being Shot Dead in Suspected Gang Attack
The alleged texts a former UFC fighter sent before being shot dead have reportedly been revealed.
Suman Mokhtarian, 33, was shot dead in what police have suggested was a targeted attack in Sydney, Australia, on Wednesday (October 8).
The Australian was shot at Annaluke St in Riverstone in the north-western area of the city. The New South Wales emergency services were unable to save him.
The fighter fought twice in the UFC between 2018 and 2019 before embarking on a career as a coach at Australian Top Team with his brother Ashkan.
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“About 6 pm today, emergency services were called to Annaluke Street, Riverstone, following reports of a shooting,” a statement by NWS Police read.
"Officers attached to Riverstone Police Area Command attended and found a man suffering gunshot wounds. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene. The man is yet to be formally identified.”
Riverstone Police Area commander Jason Joyce also released a statement claiming that the force “believe he may have been out for a walk”.
Meanwhile, a report from Sky News Australia branded the incident a ‘gangland hit’.
According to ESPN, in April 2025, an MMA event was put on hold amid concerns that the fighter could be the subject of a gangland hit.
In February of 2024, Mokhtarian survived another attempt on his life when a shooter disguised as a food delivery driver opened fire on him near his gym.
Text messages which the 33-year-old allegedly sent during the lead-up to his death have now been released.
The fighter suggested that he was aware of the plot against his life via the Australian Top Team’s account, as relayed by the Mail.
“Mate, when people try and kill you, you tend to start reading between the lines and paying attention to more detail,” Mokhtarian is alleged to have said.
“Nekkk minute I get capped (killed).”
The other person involved in the conversation replied by telling him to “keep away from haters... fake your location, and tint your car windows”.
Later in the conversation, Mokhtarian added: “Just wanted to make sure if you post something you post better photos cuz f*** if they gonna kill me I need to make sure people have a good image.”
The other person answered: “Just be safe and cautious to the places you go to... and let no one know your daily moves.”
Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the shooting. Witnesses suggested that the shooter had fled in a red Audi.
Around 15 minutes after Mokhtarian was killed, emergency services were called after a car was found on fire.
It is unclear if the two incidents were related.
Luke Davies