Arman Tsarukyan and two friends were removed from an American Airlines flight after he allegedly looked at his phone during takeoff and someone from his team opened a tray table. Tsarukyan was traveling to Philadelphia for his scheduled bout at RAF 8 on Saturday. Rather than miss the event, the fighter quickly arranged a private jet and successfully reached his destination. His fight at the tournament is still expected to proceed as scheduled. The incident highlights the strict enforcement of airline safety regulations.
Arman Tsarukyan's travel plans hit an unexpected snag ahead of his appearance at RAF 8, after he and two companions were removed from an American Airlines flight before it could depart. The incident, which reportedly stemmed from Tsarukyan using his phone during takeoff and a member of his group opening a tray table, threatened to derail his participation in the Philadelphia event scheduled for Saturday. Tsarukyan responded decisively, arranging a private jet to complete the journey and confirming his bout at the tournament remains on course.
The 29-year-old Russian is currently ranked number one in the lightweight division and trains out of American Top Team. Known by the nickname "Ahalkalakets," Tsarukyan carries a professional record of 23 wins and 3 losses. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the 155-pound weight class, averaging 3.85 significant strikes landed per minute at a 50 percent striking accuracy while also posting an impressive 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, meaning any disruption to his scheduled bouts carries significant divisional weight
- His ability to secure alternative travel and still make the event shows the lengths elite fighters go to honor commitments
- The incident serves as a reminder of how strictly commercial airlines enforce in-flight safety regulations, even for high-profile passengers
