Arman Tsarukyan and his team were removed from a commercial airline flight due to violations of airline rules, including using phones during takeoff and not stowing tray tables. The incident occurred as Tsarukyan was traveling to a wrestling tournament. He was forced to arrange a private jet instead to make his scheduled bout. Despite the travel disruption, his match against Juraja Fajber at RAF 08 remains on schedule and will proceed as planned in two days. The post humorously suggests this explains why Tsarukyan prefers private jets for travel.
Arman Tsarukyan's journey to a wrestling tournament hit an unexpected snag when he and his team were booted off a commercial flight for breaching airline rules, forcing the lightweight contender to scramble for a private jet to reach his destination on time.
According to the report, the infractions included using mobile phones during takeoff and failing to stow tray tables — standard cabin safety requirements. The disruption required Tsarukyan to arrange alternative private transport, though his scheduled match against Juraja Fajber at RAF 08 is confirmed to be going ahead as planned within two days of the incident.
Tsarukyan, 29, is ranked number one in the UFC lightweight division and carries a professional record of 23-3-0. The Russian fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance. Inside the cage he is a well-rounded threat, averaging 3.85 significant strikes landed per minute at 50 percent accuracy while also posting 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes — a combination that has made him one of the most dangerous fighters in a stacked 155-pound division.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, making his health and preparation heading into any competition a subject of close attention.
- The travel chaos could have jeopardized his appearance at RAF 08, though organizers confirmed the Fajber bout remains on schedule.
- The episode, noted with some humor in the original report, may help explain a reported preference Tsarukyan has for private air travel when circumstances allow.
