Arman Tsarukyan and his team were removed from a commercial airline flight due to violations of airline rules, including phone use during takeoff and failure to stow tray tables. The incident occurred while Tsarukyan was traveling to a grappling tournament. The post humorously suggests this explains why Tsarukyan prefers private jets, where such restrictions don't apply. Despite the travel disruption, Tsarukyan secured alternative transportation via private jet. His scheduled grappling match against Juraya Faber at RAF 08 remains intact and will take place in two days as planned.
Arman Tsarukyan's travel plans hit an unexpected snag ahead of his grappling appearance at RAF 08, after the lightweight contender and his team were removed from a commercial flight for breaking airline rules. According to reports, the infractions included using a phone during takeoff and failing to stow tray tables — a mundane disruption for a fighter ranked at the top of the lightweight division. Tsarukyan secured a private jet as an alternative and made it to the event, with his scheduled grappling match against Juraya Faber still set to take place as planned.
Tsarukyan, known by the nickname "Ahalkalakets," is 29 years old and competes out of American Top Team. The Russia-born fighter carries a professional MMA record of 23-3-0 and currently sits ranked number one in the lightweight division. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he is a well-rounded threat on the ground and on the feet, averaging 3.85 significant strikes landed per minute at 50 percent accuracy, while also posting an impressive 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, making any news surrounding him relevant to the division's landscape
- The RAF 08 grappling bout against Juraya Faber offers a rare look at his submission and grappling skills outside the Octagon
- Despite the travel chaos, the match remains on schedule, suggesting no disruption to his competitive calendar
