Top UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has been seen making light of his recent removal from an American Airlines flight. The fighter, who was reportedly asked to deboard along with two teammates for using his phone during takeoff, among other reasons, while en route to Philadelphia for RAF 08.
Following the incident, Tsarukyan opted for a private jet to reach Philadelphia. In a humorous exchange captured on video, he jokingly told influencer Nina-Marie Daniele to complete 10 push-ups, threatening to send her to American Airlines if she didn’t. He shared this moment on his Instagram with the caption: “10 push-ups or she goes to American Airlines ✈😂 @ninamariedaniele”.
American Airlines Issues Statement on Tsarukyan Incident
New footage has emerged showing Arman Tsarukyan in a verbal exchange with a flight attendant prior to his removal from the aircraft. In response to the event, American Airlines released an official statement clarifying the situation. The statement read: “On April 16, American Airlines flight 513 returned to the gate at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for customers who refused to follow federal regulations. Safety is our top priority, and we expect our customers to comply with crew member instructions while on board our aircraft, which include staying seated while the aircraft is taxiing.”
The incident occurred as Tsarukyan and his companions were reportedly standing in the aisle while the plane was taxiing and declined to return to their assigned seats. The airline stated that crew members made attempts to seat them before the decision was made to remove them from the flight.
Tsarukyan is scheduled to return to Real American Freestyle this weekend to compete against UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber.