Arman Tsarukyan was removed from a commercial flight along with his team due to violations of airline rules, specifically using a phone during takeoff and having a table open. He was traveling to compete at a wrestling tournament. After being ejected from the flight, Tsarukyan secured a private jet to continue his journey. His match against Juraja Faber at RAF 08 remains scheduled and will take place in two days as planned. The incident did not impact his ability to make the event on time.
Arman Tsarukyan had an eventful travel day ahead of RAF 08, getting removed from a commercial flight alongside his team before ultimately securing a private jet to reach his destination on time.
According to reports, Tsarukyan and his entourage were ejected from the flight after violating airline rules — specifically using a phone during takeoff and keeping a table open. Despite the disruption, the lightweight contender arranged alternative transportation and his scheduled wrestling match against Juraja Faber at RAF 08, set for two days out, remains on track.
Tsarukyan, 29, is one of the most recognizable names in mixed martial arts outside of his combat sports competition roots. Known by the nickname "Ahalkalakets," the Russian fighter out of American Top Team holds a 23-3-0 professional record and currently sits ranked first in the UFC lightweight division. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he brings a well-rounded and high-output game to whatever competition he enters, averaging 3.85 significant strikes landed per minute at 50 percent accuracy, while also posing a consistent wrestling threat at 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, making any public incident involving him a story worth tracking
- The travel disruption ultimately had no effect on his participation at RAF 08
- His presence at a wrestling tournament underlines the cross-discipline commitment that has defined his rise in combat sports
