UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan was ejected from a flight in the United States due to his training partners' failure to comply with standard airline safety procedures. According to reports, members of Tsarukyan's team were using their phones and did not stow their tray tables during takeoff, violations that prompted the airline to remove the entire group from the aircraft. While the post does not specify which airline was involved or the exact destination, the incident occurred during domestic travel within the United States. The situation highlights how even minor infractions of airline regulations can lead to significant disruptions for athletes and their teams during travel.
UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan found himself grounded — literally — after his training group was removed from a domestic flight in the United States on April 17, following a series of safety regulation violations by members of his team.
According to reports, Tsarukyan's teammates were using their phones and failed to stow their tray tables during takeoff, prompting airline staff to eject the entire group from the aircraft. The specific airline and destination were not disclosed.
Tsarukyan, 29, represents Russia and trains out of American Top Team. The orthodox striker holds a professional record of 23-3-0 and currently sits at number one in the UFC lightweight rankings, making him the division's top contender. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent striking accuracy rate, and adds a consistent ground threat with 3.26 takedown attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, meaning any disruption to his training or travel schedule carries real divisional weight.
- The incident was caused by teammates rather than Tsarukyan himself, though the entire group faced the consequences.
- No details have emerged about whether the travel delay affected any scheduled training commitments or upcoming fight preparations.
