Arman Tsarukyan was removed from a commercial airline flight along with his team due to rule violations including phone use during takeoff and an open tray table. The fighter was traveling to compete at another wrestling tournament when the incident occurred. Following the ejection, Tsarukyan arranged alternative transportation via private jet. His fight against Juraja Faber at RAF 08 remains confirmed and will take place in two days. The travel disruption did not jeopardize his participation in the event.
Arman Tsarukyan's journey to RAF 08 took an unexpected detour after the Armenian-born Russian lightweight was removed from a commercial flight along with his team, forcing him to secure a private jet to reach his destination in time to compete.
The incident occurred while Tsarukyan was traveling to participate in a wrestling tournament ahead of his scheduled bout at RAF 08 in two days. According to reports, he and his team were ejected from the aircraft for rule violations, including using a phone during takeoff and leaving a tray table open. Despite the disruption, Tsarukyan arranged alternative transport and his fight against Juraja Faber at the event remains confirmed and unaffected.
Tsarukyan, 29, is currently ranked first in the lightweight division and carries a record of 23-3-0 fighting out of American Top Team. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, the orthodox fighter has built a reputation as one of the most well-rounded lightweights in the world, averaging 3.85 significant strikes landed 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 travel a story of divisional significance
- The travel incident had no impact on his scheduled appearance at RAF 08, where he faces Juraja Faber
- His dual threat as both a volume striker and active wrestler makes his physical condition heading into fight week a point of interest for fans
