Arman Tsarukyan and his team were removed from a commercial flight due to violations of airline rules, including using a phone during takeoff and having a tray table down. The incident occurred as Tsarukyan was traveling to his next grappling tournament. Following the ejection, he quickly arranged a private jet to reach his destination. His match against Juraja Feiber at RAF 08 remains scheduled and will take place in two days as planned. The post humorously notes this explains why Tsarukyan prefers private jets where such restrictions don't apply.
Arman Tsarukyan's journey to his next grappling appearance hit an unexpected detour when the lightweight contender and his team were removed from a commercial flight ahead of RAF 08, with the ejection reportedly stemming from rule violations including phone use during takeoff and a tray table left in the down position. Rather than miss the event, Tsarukyan quickly arranged a private jet to reach his destination, and his scheduled match against Juraja Feiber remains on as planned in two days.
The 29-year-old Russian, who competes out of American Top Team, currently sits as the number-one ranked lightweight contender in the UFC with a professional record of 23-3-0. Known primarily for his striking output — landing 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate — Tsarukyan also brings a strong wrestling dimension, averaging 3.26 takedown attempts per 15 minutes. At five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, the orthodox fighter known as "Ahalkalakets" has built himself into one of the most well-rounded competitors in the 155-pound division.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's participation at RAF 08 is confirmed despite the travel disruption, with the Feiber bout proceeding as scheduled
- As the top-ranked lightweight contender, Tsarukyan's activity on the grappling circuit keeps him sharp between UFC commitments
- The incident drew a humorous note that private jets, where commercial airline restrictions do not apply, may be Tsarukyan's preferred mode of travel going forward
