Event Cancelled:: The Dark Matter Fighting Championship, set for April 19 at the William Inglis Hotel in Warwick Farm, Sydney, was stopped by authorities.
Reason:: NSW Police cited "a serious risk to public safety" based on intelligence about an alleged assassination plot targeting Suman Mokhtarian at the event.
Target:: Suman Mokhtarian, a former UFC fighter (0-2 record) and coach/owner at Australian Top Team gym.
Previous Incident:: Mokhtarian previously survived an alleged assassination attempt in February 2024 outside his gym.
Official Action:: The NSW Combat Sports Authority subsequently refused to issue the necessary permit for the event.
Promoter's Stance:: Promoter Andrew Delmas expressed frustration but is working with authorities to find a resolution, potentially moving the venue.
Mokhtarian's Offer:: Suman Mokhtarian stated he would not attend the event if his absence would allow it to proceed.
Why this matters:: This incident highlights the serious nature of alleged gangland activities potentially spilling into public events, forcing authorities to prioritize public safety over scheduled entertainment and sporting fixtures. It also underscores the risks faced by individuals allegedly targeted by criminal elements.
The cancellation of the Dark Matter Fighting Championship stems from direct intervention by NSW Police. They informed the event promoter, Andrew Delmas, on March 31st about their concerns regarding public safety due to an alleged plot against Suman Mokhtarian, who was expected to be present as a coach for fighters from his Australian Top Team gym. Following the police assessment, the NSW Combat Sports Authority, the body responsible for sanctioning such events, declined to issue the required permit.
This isn't the first time Mokhtarian has been allegedly targeted. In February 2024, he was reportedly shot at outside his Wentworthville gym by an individual disguised as a delivery driver. An arrest was made in connection with that incident, with the alleged shooter charged with attempted murder.
Suman Mokhtarian had a brief UFC career with two losses in 2018 and 2019, and also appeared on 'The Ultimate Fighter'. He co-owns the Australian Top Team gym with his brother, Ashkan Mokhtarian, another former UFC fighter (also 0-2) who faced arrest on drug supply charges in November 2023 and was denied bail.
Promoter Andrew Delmas is attempting to salvage the event, potentially by finding a new venue, emphasizing the months of work invested by organizers and fighters. NSW Premier Chris Minns publicly backed the police decision, stressing that public safety must come first when credible threats emerge.
Why was the Dark Matter Fighting Championship MMA event cancelled?
It was cancelled because NSW Police received intelligence about an alleged gangland assassination plot targeting former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian, planned to occur at the event, posing a significant risk to public safety.
Who is Suman Mokhtarian?
Suman Mokhtarian is a former UFC featherweight fighter and a coach/owner at the Australian Top Team gym in Sydney.
Has Suman Mokhtarian been targeted before?
Yes, reports indicate he was the target of a previous alleged assassination attempt outside his gym in February 2024.
What happens to the event now?
The promoter is currently negotiating with authorities to find a solution, which might include relocating the event, but its status remains uncertain.
Public Safety First:: Authorities will cancel public events, even major ones, if credible security threats emerge.
Impact on Athletes:: Event cancellations significantly disrupt fighters' careers, training camps, and income.
Underworld Connections:: The incident sheds light on the potential intersection of combat sports figures and alleged criminal activities or threats.
How to Prepare:: If attending large events, stay informed about security updates through official channels. Understand that cancellations can happen for safety reasons.
Who This Affects Most:: The fighters scheduled to compete, fans holding tickets, the event promoter (Andrew Delmas), Suman Mokhtarian, the William Inglis Hotel venue, and potentially the reputation of the local MMA scene.
How should authorities balance the need for public safety against the disruption caused by cancelling events based on intelligence? Share your thoughts!
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Source 1: Former UFC fighter target of alleged Sydney gangland assassination plot - ESPN target="_blank"
Source 2: Sydney MMA event cancelled over fears of alleged gangland hit on former UFC fighter - Sydney Morning Herald target="_blank"
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