Arman Tsarukyan removed from commercial flight, switches to private jet

Arman Tsarukyan's travel plans ahead of an upcoming wrestling tournament hit an unexpected snag when he and his team were removed from a commercial flight for violating airline rules. According to the report, the infractions included using phones during takeoff and failing to stow tray tables before departure. The incident forced Tsarukyan to arrange a private jet to reach his destination, though his scheduled match against Juraja Faber at RAF08 remains on track and is set to take place in two days.

Tsarukyan, 29, currently sits at number one in the UFC lightweight rankings 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 competes out of an orthodox stance. He is one of the most active and well-rounded lightweights in the world, averaging 3.85 significant strikes landed per minute at 50 percent accuracy, while also posing a consistent threat on the mat with 3.26 takedown attempts per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• Tsarukyan's status as the number one ranked lightweight means any disruption to his preparation draws attention across the division.
• The travel incident is notable largely for its humor, but the fighter confirmed the RAF08 appearance remains unaffected.
• His wrestling tournament participation underscores the combat sports background that makes him a dangerous two-dimensional threat at 155 pounds.

The mix-up appears to have caused little more than a logistical inconvenience, with Tsarukyan reportedly already en route via private aircraft and his RAF08 bout against Faber proceeding as planned.