Arman Tsarukyan and his team were removed from a commercial flight for using a phone during takeoff and having a tray table down, violating airline rules. The incident provides context for why Tsarukyan prefers private jets for travel. He was flying to compete at a wrestling tournament when the removal occurred. After being taken off the commercial flight, Tsarukyan arranged a private jet to reach his destination. His bout against Juraj Faber at RAF 08 remains scheduled for the day after tomorrow.
Arman Tsarukyan and his team found themselves grounded after being removed from a commercial flight ahead of a wrestling tournament, only to reach their destination by arranging a private jet instead.
The incident reportedly occurred after members of Tsarukyan's party were caught using a phone during takeoff and had a tray table down, both violations of standard airline rules. The removal offers some explanation for why the Armenian-born Russian fighter has expressed a preference for private air travel. Despite the disruption, Tsarukyan made it to the tournament, and his bout at RAF 08 — scheduled for the day after tomorrow — remains on track.
Tsarukyan, 29, sits at number one in the UFC lightweight rankings and carries a professional record of 23-3-0. Fighting out of American Top Team, the five-foot-seven southward-leaning orthodox striker lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate, while also averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes — a combination that makes him one of the division's most complete competitors. His opponent at RAF 08, Juraj Faber, is not currently listed in the UFC database but is confirmed as Tsarukyan's scheduled rival for the event.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked UFC lightweight, meaning any disruption to his pre-fight camp carries divisional significance.
- The travel incident sheds light on the logistical lengths elite fighters go to in order to protect their competitive schedules.
- His active wrestling preparation ahead of RAF 08 underscores the well-rounded game plan he typically brings into competition.
