Arman Tsarukyan was removed from a commercial flight with his team due to violations of airline rules, including phone use during takeoff and an open tray table. He was traveling to compete at a wrestling tournament. After the removal, Tsarukyan switched to a private jet to continue his journey. His scheduled fight against Urijah Faber at RAF 8 remains intact and will take place as planned in two days. The incident explains why Tsarukyan prefers private jets for travel.
Arman Tsarukyan was removed from a commercial flight alongside his team prior to a wrestling tournament trip, but the incident will not affect his upcoming bout against Urijah Faber at RAF 8, which remains on schedule and is set to take place in two days.
According to reports, Tsarukyan and his team were pulled from the flight after violating airline rules, specifically using a phone during takeoff and having an open tray table. Rather than wait for an alternative commercial option, Tsarukyan arranged travel on a private jet to complete the journey. The episode, it has been noted, helps explain his preference for private air travel.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters the fight carrying a 23-3-0 record and holds the number one ranking in the lightweight division. The Russian representative of American Top Team stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach and has built a reputation as a high-volume, well-rounded threat, landing 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy while averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes.
His opponent, Urijah Faber, brings a career record of 35-11-0 and an enduring competitive spirit at 47 years old. The California Kid, representing Team Alpha Male, stands five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach. Faber lands 2.65 significant strikes per minute and averages 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes, with a submission threat that has defined much of his long career.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's number one lightweight ranking means his performance at RAF 8 carries divisional weight beyond the regional stage.
- The physical contrast is notable: Tsarukyan holds a five-inch reach advantage over Faber.
- Tsarukyan's wrestling tournament participation ahead of the bout underlines his active preparation cycle heading into fight week.
