Top UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan reportedly faced an incident on an Armenian Airlines flight while en route to Philadelphia for the upcoming RAF 08 event.
The 29-year-old fighter and two of his teammates were asked to deplane after a teammate allegedly opened a tray table during takeoff, and another was using a mobile phone. This led to Tsarukyan and his companions being removed from the aircraft.
Videos circulating online appear to show the altercation. After the event, Tsarukyan characterized the airline’s service as “rude and unprofessional.”
Following the deplaning incident, Tsarukyan swiftly arranged alternative travel, opting for a private jet to ensure he would not be late for his match against Urijah Faber. He shared his new travel arrangements on social media, humorously captioning it, “Kicked off commercial, I guess Private it is.” He later posted, “Ladies & Gentlemen, Welcome aboard Arman Airlines.”