A man accused of attempting to murder former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian while disguised as a delivery driver has been granted bail, sparking widespread debate in the combat sports community.
The accused, 21-year-old Noa Touma, allegedly pulled up outside a mixed martial arts gym in Wentworthville, Sydney, on a scooter before opening fire at close range. CCTV footage revealed multiple shots were fired, with one bullet even lodging itself inside a punching bag while a children's class was in session. Despite the close-range attack, no one was injured.
Detectives later discovered a torched getaway vehicle nearby, allegedly purchased under a fake Facebook account for $2000 just a week before the incident. The prosecution contended that Touma had also visited a Bunnings store with an accomplice to purchase spray paint to alter the vehicle’s appearance.
However, the Supreme Court determined that there was insufficient forensic or phone record evidence to directly place Touma at the crime scene. As a result, Justice Ian Harrison granted bail, citing the accused’s young age and the time already spent in custody, ordering his release into a full-time rehabilitation facility.
The decision has drawn sharp reactions from those in the MMA community, including Mokhtarian himself. One of the most striking comments came from the alleged target, who questioned both the identity of the suspect and the shooter’s aim.
"The kid they arrested doesn't even look like an Uber Eats delivery driver to me, so they must've got the wrong guy. I left a two-star review on my Mexican, but I wish I changed it to one star now based on the Rajpoor's aim," Mokhtarian stated.
The remark, blending humor with frustration, reflects the bizarre and shocking nature of the case. Many in the MMA world have expressed disbelief at how an attempted murder involving gunfire in broad daylight could lead to the suspect being granted bail so quickly.
While prosecutors maintain that the failed assassination attempt was premeditated, the lack of conclusive forensic evidence remains a challenge in securing a conviction. The incident has left more questions than answers, and with Touma now out on bail, concerns linger over whether justice will ultimately be served.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case remains a stark reminder of the growing security concerns within Australia’s combat sports scene, particularly for high-profile figures in the industry.
