Arman Tsarukyan and two friends were removed from an American Airlines flight for allegedly looking at a phone during takeoff and having a tray table open. The incident occurred as Tsarukyan was traveling to Philadelphia for his Saturday fight at RAF. Despite the setback, the fighter quickly arranged alternative transportation by boarding a private jet. He successfully reached the event location and his bout remains scheduled as planned. The incident did not affect his preparation for the upcoming match against Juraiah Faber at RAF 08.
Arman Tsarukyan's travel to Philadelphia took an unexpected turn when the lightweight contender and two companions were removed from an American Airlines flight ahead of his scheduled bout at RAF 08 on Saturday. Airline staff reportedly cited Tsarukyan's use of a phone during takeoff and an open tray table as the reason for the removal. Rather than let the disruption derail his fight week, Tsarukyan arranged a private jet and arrived at the event location without further incident. His fight remains on schedule as planned.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters the bout ranked first in the lightweight division with a record of 23-3-0. The Russian fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, brings a well-rounded offensive game to the cage. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate and adds consistent wrestling pressure, averaging 3.26 takedown attempts per 15 minutes. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, the orthodox fighter known as "Ahalkalakets" has established himself as one of the most dangerous lightweights in the sport.
His opponent at RAF 08 is Juraiah Faber, though no verified data for Faber was available in the AgentMMA database at the time of publication.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan holds the top divisional ranking at lightweight, making any performance under his belt a significant statement in the division.
- The travel disruption came during an active fight week, raising questions about preparation time, though Tsarukyan's camp confirmed his arrival and bout status remain unaffected.
- The matchup at RAF 08 provides Tsarukyan an opportunity to stay active and maintain momentum at the top of the 155-pound ladder.
