Arman Tsarukyan was ejected from a flight in the United States due to infractions committed by his training partners. The incident occurred when members of Tsarukyan's team used their phones and failed to stow their tray tables during takeoff, violating airline safety protocols. As a result, the entire group including Tsarukyan was removed from the aircraft. The lightweight contender was not personally responsible for the violations but was affected by his team's actions.
Arman Tsarukyan, the number-one ranked UFC lightweight contender, was removed from a commercial flight in the United States on April 17 after members of his training team violated basic airline safety protocols during takeoff.
According to reports, Tsarukyan's traveling companions used their phones and failed to stow their tray tables before departure — infractions serious enough for the group to be ejected from the aircraft. Tsarukyan himself was not personally responsible for the rule-breaking, but as part of the group, he was removed along with his teammates.
The 29-year-old Russian fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, currently sits at the top of the lightweight division's rankings with a professional record of 23 wins, 3 losses, and no draws. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, Tsarukyan has established himself as one of the most well-rounded threats in the 155-pound division, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy while also putting consistent pressure on the mat with 3.26 takedown attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight, making any disruption to his schedule or preparation a notable story for the division
- The incident raises questions about travel logistics for his team ahead of future competition
- No indication exists that Tsarukyan faces any personal disciplinary consequences from the airline incident
