Arman Tsarukyan and his team were removed from a commercial 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 another wrestling tournament. Following the removal, the team switched to a private jet to continue their journey. Despite the travel disruption, Tsarukyan's match against Juraja Faber at RAF 08 remains scheduled and will take place in two days. The post humorously notes this explains why Tsarukyan prefers private jets, where such restrictions don't apply.
Arman Tsarukyan's travel plans hit an unexpected snag ahead of RAF 08 after he and his team were removed from a commercial flight for breaching airline rules, including using phones during takeoff and failing to stow tray tables. The team subsequently boarded a private jet to complete their journey to a wrestling tournament, with Tsarukyan's bout at RAF 08 still scheduled to go ahead in two days.
Tsarukyan, known by the nickname "Ahalkalakets," enters the event as the number-one ranked lightweight in the world. The 29-year-old Russian trains out of American Top Team and carries a record of 23 wins and 3 losses. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he is a technically well-rounded fighter who lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy, while also averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes — a reflection of the wrestling base he continues to sharpen at tournaments.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's preparation for RAF 08 appears unaffected despite the travel disruption, with the matchup against Juraja Faber proceeding as planned
- As the top-ranked lightweight, any competitive outing carries significant divisional implications
- The incident also drew some online humor, with the suggestion that it sheds light on Tsarukyan's apparent preference for private travel, where the cabin rules are considerably more relaxed
