UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan was removed from a flight in the United States due to his training partners' behavior during takeoff. According to reports, his teammates were using their phones and failed to stow their tray tables as required during the plane's departure. The incident resulted in the entire group being ejected from the aircraft. While the post is light on specific details about timing or airline involved, it represents an unusual travel disruption for the fighter. No information was provided about whether the incident will affect any upcoming training or fight preparations.
UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan found himself at the center of an unusual travel incident after he and his training group were removed from a flight in the United States, according to reports published April 17.
The reason for the ejection was not Tsarukyan's own conduct but that of his teammates. Members of his traveling party were reportedly using their phones and had failed to stow tray tables during takeoff, violating standard pre-flight safety procedures. The entire group was removed from the aircraft as a result. No details about the specific airline or the date of the incident were included in the initial reports.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters the story as one of the most prominent figures in the lightweight division. The Russian-born fighter, who trains out of American Top Team and competes under the nickname Ahalkalakets, currently holds the number one contender ranking at 155 pounds. He carries a record of 23-3 and has built his reputation on a well-rounded game, averaging 3.85 significant strikes landed per minute at fifty percent accuracy while also threatening consistently on the ground with 3.26 takedowns per fifteen minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight, meaning any disruption to his camp draws immediate attention from the division
- The incident was caused by teammates rather than the fighter himself, raising questions about travel logistics for his team
- No reports suggest the episode will affect upcoming fight preparations, though no official clarification has been issued
