Arman Tsarukyan and two members of his team were removed from an American Airlines flight for violating safety rules during takeoff—he was looking at his phone and someone from his team opened a tray table. Tsarukyan was traveling to Philadelphia for his upcoming fight at RAF 8 on Saturday. After being removed from the commercial flight, he quickly arranged a private jet and successfully reached the event location. The incident highlights the strict enforcement of airline safety protocols, though Tsarukyan's resourcefulness ensured his fight schedule remained intact.
Arman Tsarukyan's travel plans hit an unexpected snag ahead of his appearance at RAF 8 on Saturday, when the lightweight contender and two members of his team were removed from an American Airlines flight for violating safety protocols during takeoff. Tsarukyan was using his phone and a team member opened a tray table, prompting airline staff to pull the group from the aircraft. Undeterred, Tsarukyan quickly arranged a private jet and arrived at the Philadelphia venue in time for the event.
The 29-year-old Russian, who trains out of American Top Team, enters the weekend as the number-one ranked lightweight in the world. Known as "Ahalkalakets," Tsarukyan carries a record of 23-3-0 and has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the 155-pound division. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he blends a high-volume striking game — landing 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy — with a persistent wrestling attack that produces 3.26 takedown attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight in the world, making any disruption to his fight preparation a notable story
- The removal from a commercial flight could have jeopardized his appearance at RAF 8, but swift action with a private jet kept his schedule intact
- The incident underscores how even minor in-flight rule violations are enforced strictly, regardless of a passenger's profile
The situation resolved without any impact on Tsarukyan's fight-week obligations, with the private jet ensuring he reached Philadelphia without further complications.
