Arman Tsarukyan and his team were removed from a commercial flight in the United States due to violations of airline rules. His team members were using their phones and failed to stow their tray tables during takeoff. The incident forced Tsarukyan to charter a private jet to continue his journey. Despite the travel disruption, his scheduled grappling match against Urijah Faber at RAF08 remains on track and will take place in two days. The post humorously notes this explains why Tsarukyan prefers private jets where such restrictions don't apply.
UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan and his team were removed from a commercial flight in the United States after members of his party violated airline regulations during takeoff, including using their phones and failing to stow their tray tables. The incident forced Tsarukyan to arrange a private charter jet to complete his travel ahead of his grappling appearance at RAF08, scheduled in two days.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters the event as the number-one ranked lightweight in the UFC, carrying an impressive 23-3-0 record while competing out of American Top Team. The Russian fighter, standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, is one of the division's most well-rounded threats, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy while also posting a formidable 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes.
His opponent at RAF08 is MMA legend Urijah Faber, known as "The California Kid." The 47-year-old American holds a career record of 35-11-0 and built his reputation at Team Alpha Male, where he became one of the sport's most celebrated bantamweight and featherweight competitors. Faber stands five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach and has averaged 2.65 significant strikes per minute throughout his career, along with 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- The travel disruption appears to have caused no scheduling damage, with the RAF08 grappling bout still confirmed to proceed on time.
- The matchup places an active top-ranked UFC lightweight against a legendary veteran in a grappling-focused contest, offering a notable stylistic test for both men.
- Tsarukyan's power-to-precision striking rate and high takedown output will contrast sharply with Faber's veteran submission instincts, averaging 0.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes across his career.
