Suman Mokhtarian’s Chilling Text Message Moments Before Being Shot Dead

The final words of former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian have been revealed after he was shot dead in broad daylight in Sydney, in what is believed to be a targeted attack, say police.

The 33-year-old was gunned down on Annaluke Street in Riverstone, a suburb on the outskirts of Sydney, at around 6pm on the 9th of October. Despite paramedics rushing to the scene, Mokhtarian’s life couldn’t be saved. Witnesses reported the gunman fleeing in a red Audi, and around 15 minutes later, emergency services were called to a nearby car fire, with officers now investigating whether the two incidents are connected.

In the hours before the shooting, Mokhtarian appeared to acknowledge that his life was under imminent threat. Writing from the social media account of his gym, Australian Top Team, he had sent messages that were later published by Sydney crime news outlet SCN Worldstar.

“Mate, when people try and kill you, you tend to start reading between the lines and paying attention to more detail.” He followed that with a disturbing prediction: “Nekkk minute I get capped (killed).”

The person responding to Mokhtarian advised caution: “Keep away from haters… fake your location, and tint your car windows.”

However, Mokhtarian took up a more chilling tone, as if he was resigned to what was coming: “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.”

A final warning of caution came Mokhtarian’s way: “Just be safe and cautious to the places you go to… and let no one know your daily moves.”

This wasn’t the first attempt on Mokhtarian’s life. In February 2024, he survived a shooting outside his gym, carried out by an attacker disguised as a food delivery driver. Two months later, NSW Police shut down the inaugural Dark Matter Fighting Championship, a promotion Mokhtarian was due to launch, after intelligence suggested he was the target of an assassination plot.

The Iranian-born Australian rose to prominence as a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter in 2018 before coaching alongside his brother, Ashkan, who also fought in the UFC. He has been remembered by students and colleagues as a driving force in Australian MMA.

Tributes Pour in For Suman Mokhtarian

Student Jesse Swain wrote: “I owe all I’ve done in MMA to him. 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.”

Another student, Ali Hassan, paid tribute to the role Mohktarian played in his life: “Suman got me out the gutter, took care of me when I needed it most, no matter (what) has happened, you’ve been there for me and my family.”

NSW Police have called on anyone with information about the shooting to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.