Arman Tsarukyan and his team were removed from a commercial airline flight due to violations of airline rules. Team members were reportedly using phones and failed to stow their tray tables during takeoff. The incident occurred as Tsarukyan was traveling to a grappling tournament. He subsequently booked a private jet to reach the event. His scheduled match against Juraya Faber at RAF 08 remains on and will proceed as planned in two days.
Arman Tsarukyan's travel plans hit an unexpected snag ahead of RAF 08 after the Russian lightweight contender and his team were removed from a commercial flight for violating airline rules. According to reports, members of Tsarukyan's party were using phones and failed to stow their tray tables during takeoff, prompting the removal. Tsarukyan subsequently arranged a private jet to reach the grappling tournament in time, and his scheduled match against Juraya Faber at RAF 08 remains on track to proceed as planned.
Tsarukyan, 29, holds a 23-3-0 professional record and is currently ranked number one in the UFC lightweight division, making him one of the most prominent names in the 155-pound class. The Armenian-born fighter representing Russia trains out of American Top Team and brings a well-rounded skillset to any competition setting. He 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 reflects both his technical striking and consistent wrestling output.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's status as the top-ranked lightweight means any public incident draws significant attention to his upcoming appearances
- Despite the travel disruption, his grappling match against Juraya Faber at RAF 08 is confirmed to go ahead as scheduled
- The episode highlights the logistical demands elite fighters manage outside of competition
