Arman Tsarukyan and his team were removed from a commercial airline flight due to violations of airline rules, specifically using phones during takeoff and not stowing their tray table. The incident occurred as Tsarukyan was traveling to a wrestling tournament. He was forced to arrange a private jet instead to ensure he could make his scheduled bout. Despite the travel disruption, his fight against Juraya Faber at RAF08 remains scheduled and will take place as planned in two days. The post humorously suggests this explains why Tsarukyan prefers private jets.
Arman Tsarukyan's trip to a wrestling tournament took an unexpected turn when he and his team were removed from a commercial flight after crew members cited violations of airline rules, including phone use during takeoff and failure to stow a tray table. The lightweight contender was left to scramble for alternative arrangements and ultimately secured a private jet to reach his destination in time, with his scheduled bout at RAF08 still set to go ahead in two days.
Tsarukyan, known by the nickname "Ahalkalakets," is ranked first in the UFC lightweight division at just 29 years old. The Russian fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, carries a professional record of 23-3-0 and presents a well-rounded threat on the feet and on the mat. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate and averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the more complete athletes in the 155-pound weight class.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, so any disruption to his preparation draws immediate attention
- Despite the chaotic travel episode, his fight against Juraya Faber at RAF08 remains on schedule
- The incident, while lighthearted in tone, does raise questions about travel logistics for elite fighters competing on short turnarounds
- His camp's ability to pivot quickly to a private jet suggests the situation was resolved without significant damage to his preparation
