Arman Tsarukyan and his team were removed from a commercial flight in the United States due to violations of airline rules. Team members were using phones during takeoff and failed to stow their tray tables properly. The incident forced Tsarukyan to switch to a private jet to continue his travel. Despite the travel disruption, his grappling match against Juraj Feiber at RAF08 remains scheduled and will proceed as planned in two days. The situation explains why Tsarukyan prefers private jets, where such restrictions don't apply.
Arman Tsarukyan and his team were removed from a commercial flight in the United States after members of his party violated airline rules during takeoff, forcing the lightweight contender to arrange private jet travel to reach his destination.
The incident involved team members using their phones and failing to stow tray tables during the takeoff sequence, prompting airline staff to remove the group from the flight. Tsarukyan, ranked number one in the UFC's lightweight division, ultimately secured a private jet to continue his journey. The disruption sheds light on why the 29-year-old Russian fighter has expressed a preference for private air travel, where the strict cabin rules of commercial flights do not apply.
Despite the chaos, the travel setback has not affected Tsarukyan's upcoming schedule. His grappling match against Juraj Feiber at RAF08 remains on course and is set to take place in two days as planned.
Tsarukyan, who trains out of American Top Team, carries a professional MMA record of 23 wins and 3 losses at lightweight. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, the orthodox fighter known as "Ahalkalakets" is one of the division's most well-rounded threats, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy while also posting an impressive 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, making any disruption to his camp or schedule noteworthy
- The RAF08 grappling appearance keeps him active and visible ahead of what figures to be a significant year in his MMA career
- The incident confirms the event remains on schedule despite the travel complications
