A former UFC fighter who survived one assassination attempt fell victim to a second targeted killing, highlighting the escalating violence plaguing Australia’s streets despite the country’s strict gun control laws.
Story Snapshot
- 33-year-old former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian shot dead in targeted attack in Sydney
- Second murder attempt succeeded after surviving previous assassination try 20 months earlier
- Killing occurred in Riverstone suburb despite Australia’s strict gun control measures
- Police confirm this was a deliberate, planned attack rather than random violence
Former Fighter Falls Victim to Planned Execution
Suman Mokhtarian, a 33-year-old former UFC competitor, was gunned down Wednesday in what New South Wales Police described as a “targeted attack” in Riverstone, a Sydney suburb. The killing represents the second attempt on Mokhtarian’s life, following a previous assassination attempt he survived 20 months ago. Police confirmed the shooting was deliberate and premeditated, indicating organized criminal activity rather than spontaneous violence.
Australia’s Gun Laws Fail to Prevent Criminal Violence
This execution-style killing exposes the fundamental flaw in Australia’s gun control philosophy that law-abiding citizens surrendered their firearms while criminals retained access to illegal weapons. Despite some of the world’s strictest gun laws implemented after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, organized criminals continue acquiring and using firearms for targeted killings. The incident demonstrates that restrictive gun legislation primarily disarms honest citizens while failing to prevent determined criminals from obtaining weapons through black market channels.
Pattern of Escalating Criminal Targeting
Mokhtarian’s survival of the first murder attempt apparently made him a continued target for criminal elements, suggesting ongoing disputes or conflicts within organized crime networks. The 20-month gap between attempts indicates persistent criminal intent and planning, rather than impulsive violence. This pattern reflects broader concerns about criminal organizations operating with apparent impunity, successfully executing planned assassinations despite extensive law enforcement resources and surveillance capabilities in major Australian cities.
Questions Surrounding Fighter’s Criminal Connections
While police have not publicly disclosed the motive behind either assassination attempt, the targeted nature of both attacks suggests Mokhtarian may have been involved in criminal activities or witnessed events that made him a liability to criminal organizations. The deliberate, professional execution style indicates this was likely connected to organized crime rather than personal disputes or random violence. His background as a professional fighter may have initially helped him survive the first attempt, but ultimately could not protect him from determined assassins.
