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MMA Event in Sydney Canceled Due to Assassination Plot Targeting Former UFC Fighter Suman Mokhtarian
A planned MMA event in Sydney was abruptly canceled after authorities uncovered an alleged assassination plot targeting former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian. The Dark Matter Fighting Championship (DMFC) event, set to take place on April 19, 2025, at the William Inglis Hotel in Warwick Farm, was disrupted by a series of disturbing developments that led to safety concerns.
The Plot Unveiled: A Shadow Over the Event
According to New South Wales Police, intelligence suggested that Mokhtarian could be the target of a hit during the event. Despite Mokhtarian’s agreement to withdraw from the card to ensure his safety, the authorities deemed it too dangerous to proceed with the event altogether. This marked the first time in the promotion's history that an event had to be canceled due to safety concerns.
Mokhtarian, who is not only a former UFC fighter but also a co-owner of the Australian Top Team gym in Wentworthville, had previously survived an assassination attempt in February 2024. At the time, a gunman posing as a delivery driver opened fire outside Mokhtarian's gym, narrowly missing him. The gunman, later identified as 21-year-old Noah Touma, was arrested and charged with attempted murder. However, despite the severity of the situation, Touma was granted bail and later entered a rehabilitation facility.
The Aftermath of the Cancellation
The cancellation has sent shockwaves through the Sydney MMA community. Promoter Andrew Delmas expressed disappointment, revealing that months of preparation, from fighters training to event staff organizing, had all come to an abrupt halt. The financial and emotional toll on everyone involved is significant, and many are left questioning the safety of athletes and fans in such volatile situations.
Despite the challenges, Premier Chris Minns supported the decision, emphasizing that public safety must come first. He urged people not to link the event’s cancellation to the broader UFC brand, as the incident was tied to Mokhtarian's personal safety and not a reflection of the sport itself.
The Bigger Picture: Mokhtarian's Role in the MMA Community
Suman Mokhtarian's story is not just one of survival, but also of resilience. After his UFC career, Mokhtarian became an influential figure in the Australian MMA scene, helping to grow the sport at the grassroots level through his gym. His experiences have led him to become a respected voice, and his story resonates deeply with many in the MMA world. However, the threat against him highlights the darker side of the sport, where personal safety can sometimes be overshadowed by criminal elements.
What's Next for the Australian MMA Scene?
As Sydney grapples with this troubling situation, the broader MMA community is left wondering how to ensure the safety of its athletes. Authorities will likely increase security measures at future events, but the cancellation of the DMFC event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers athletes face outside the cage.
For Mokhtarian, the cancellation is another chapter in his saga, but one hopes it will be the last of its kind. As police investigations continue and Mokhtarian’s safety is prioritized, the MMA community in Sydney and beyond will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.