Sydney MMA fight cancelled over fears ex-UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian could be target of gangland hit
A mixed martial arts event has been canned amid fears a high-profile former UFC fighter may be the target of a gangland hit.
The Dark Matter Fighting Championship (DMFC) was due to take place on April 19 at the William Inglis Hotel in Warwick Farm but was scuttled by NSW Police.
First reported by 2GB’s Ben Fordham on Thursday, it is understood police stopped the event after receiving intelligence coach and former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian was allegedly the target of a planned hit in February 2024.
Fordham said police had written to the event’s promoter, Andrew Delmas, earlier this month advising him that officers would not support the issuing of a permit.
Officers had reportedly “come to the conclusion there is a serious risk to public safety should this event take place”.
In a statement, Mr Delmas said the DFMC was the “safest event in the country and we are surprised with what has happened”.
“Western Sydney deserves quality major events and I’m determined to deliver one,” he said.
“Despite following all regulations, the permit for the DMFC event of April 19 has been cancelled.
“I am working as hard as I can with relevant authorities to change that.”
NSW Police confirmed they were involved in discussions with event organisers, but said the ultimate decision was not theirs to make.
“While the NSW Police Force provides safety and security advice, the decision as to whether or not an event will proceed lies with the Combat Sports Authority of NSW,” they said in a statement on Thursday morning.
“NSW Police will continue to work closely with event organisers to ensure the safety and security of attendees and the wider community at any potential future events.”
Mr Delmas did not confirm whether organiser had been in contact with Mokhtarian.
Mokhtarian, 32, is a licensed coach born in Sydney. He has a pro-MMA record of eight wins and two losses.
He is a featherweight fighter and his last fight was on December 21, 2019.
Fights scheduled for April 19 at the William Inglis Hotel were still being advertised on the Dark Matter website as of Thursday morning.