Former UFC Fighter Could Be Target Of Assassination Plot

An upcoming MMA event in Sydney, Australia has reportedly been put on hold by police amid an assassination plot against a former UFC fighter.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, police in New South Wales (NSW) have canceled the upcoming Dark Matter Fighting Championship in southwest Sydney. Per the report, the event was canceled amid an alleged plot against former UFC featherweight fighter Suman Mokhtarian, who is now an MMA coach in Australia.

"On March 31, NSW Police wrote to Dark Matter Fighting Championships promoter Andrew Delmas, advising him it would not support the issuing of a permit to hold the fight night after it had 'come to the conclusion there is a serious risk to public safety should this event take place,'” the outlet reported.

"Shortly after, the NSW Combat Sports Authority advised Delmas it had refused to issue the permit."

Mokhtarian, who fought in the UFC twice between 2018 and 2019, survived a previous assassination attempt in February 2024. A man allegedly posing as a food delivery driver opened fire on his Australian Top Team gym in Wentworthville. 

It was believed to be an attempted gangland hit on Mokhtarian's life. The assailant was arrested and charged with attempted murder. They are currently out on bail.

Speaking to 9News this morning, Mokhtarian made it clear he was unaware of the alleged plot against him. He said he was never called or even notified of any such plot.

"If I was a target, why wouldn't I be notified, why wouldn't I be called, why wouldn't I be told anything," Mokhtarian said.