Arman Tsarukyan and his team were removed from a commercial flight due to violations of airline rules, specifically using phones during takeoff and not stowing tray tables. The incident occurred as Tsarukyan was traveling to a grappling tournament. He was forced to switch to a private jet to make his scheduled appearance. Despite the travel disruption, Tsarukyan's match against Juraja Faber at RAF 08 remains confirmed and will take place as planned in two days. The post humorously notes this explains why Tsarukyan prefers private jets.
Arman Tsarukyan's trip to a grappling tournament hit an unexpected snag when he and his team were removed from a commercial flight ahead of RAF 08, forcing a last-minute switch to a private jet to reach the event on time.
According to the report, the group was ejected from the aircraft after violating airline rules — using phones during takeoff and failing to stow tray tables. The travel disruption ultimately did not derail Tsarukyan's plans, as his scheduled match against Juraja Faber at RAF 08 remains confirmed and will go ahead as planned, just two days from the date of the incident.
Tsarukyan, 29, is one of the most recognizable names in mixed martial arts outside of the Octagon as well. The Russian fighter, who trains 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 carries a well-rounded skill set into every competition, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy alongside a strong grappling output of 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, making any competitive appearance — grappling or otherwise — a notable event for the division
- The travel incident highlights the logistical demands elite fighters face when competing across multiple combat sports platforms
- Despite the disruption, his appearance at RAF 08 against Juraja Faber proceeds on schedule, preserving the card's headline matchup
The incident also drew a wry observation from those close to the camp — that being removed from a commercial flight perhaps explains why Tsarukyan has developed a preference for private travel.
