Arman Tsarukyan and his team were removed from a commercial flight due to violations of airline rules. The violations included using phones during takeoff and not putting away tray tables. Tsarukyan was traveling to a wrestling tournament where he is scheduled to compete. He switched to a private jet to ensure he could still make his bout against Juraya Faber at RAF 08. Despite the travel complications, his fight remains confirmed and will take place in two days as planned.
Arman Tsarukyan and his team were removed from a commercial flight after violating airline rules, forcing the UFC lightweight contender to charter a private jet to reach his destination in time for his upcoming bout.
The incident stemmed from the group using phones during takeoff and failing to stow their tray tables. Despite the disruption, Tsarukyan secured alternative travel and his fight against Juraya Faber at RAF 08, scheduled two days from the incident, remains confirmed and on track.
Tsarukyan, 29, holds a professional record of 23-3 and is ranked first in the UFC lightweight division, making him one of the most prominent contenders in a loaded 155-pound weight class. The Russian fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach and competes out of an orthodox stance. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy and adds consistent wrestling pressure, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes. The bout at RAF 08 is a wrestling tournament competition rather than a UFC appearance, giving Tsarukyan a chance to display a different dimension of his combat sports skillset.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, so his health and availability heading into any competition carries significant weight.
- The travel setback was resolved without canceling the bout, keeping his schedule intact.
- His takedown volume and wrestling credentials make the tournament format a natural fit for his game.
