Last year, it was Khabib Nurmagomedov. This year, it is Arman Tsarukyan. What is it with UFC lightweights and airline policies that seem to cause so much confusion and chaos?

Arman Tsarukyan can’t seem to catch a break. First, the UFC snubbed him for a lightweight title shot. Now, just as he’s turned to Real American Freestyle Wrestling to stay active, he’s faced another setback—one that could have seriously impacted his next outing.

The Armenian lightweight is scheduled to take on MMA legend Urijah Faber at RAF 08 on Saturday, April 18, at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. However, it appears the 29-year-old couldn’t set off to the venue as he planned, as he was booted from a flight.

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“Arman Tsarukyan and his two friends were removed from an American Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia,” sports journalist Adam Zubayraev shared on X. “Because he was looking at his phone during takeoff, absolute madness.”

The journalist even shared a video from the flight showing the No. 2-ranked lightweight being escorted off the plane by officials. The individual recording the video shared more insights into what actually happened. 

“Just because one of the team members used his phone while the plane was taking off, and another person opened the table, that’s why Arman and two of his friends were kicked out of the plane, which was heading to the RAF tournament,” the individual said, per translations.

This is just the latest instance where Arman Tsarukyan has found himself in the middle of a controversy. From punching a fan during his ring walk at UFC 300 to headbutting Dan Hooker during their face-off, Tsarukyan has built a reputation as being difficult to deal with. 

While the UFC isn’t involved in his RAF fight, it just adds to the complications Tsarukyan has been involved in. The Armenian hasn’t fought in the cage since his win over Dan Hooker in November last year. Since then, he has been part of the RAF and Hype FC events. 

So, what’s next? Will Arman miss his RAF event?

Since the off-boarding clip surfaced, the 29-year-old has posted new footage on his Instagram account. In the video, the No. 2 lightweight contender reveals that he has booked a private jet to ensure he reaches Philadelphia in time for his RAF 08 bout.

He also appeared to take potshots at American Airlines, the carrier that removed him from the earlier flight.

“I hope they don’t kick me out from this plane,” he said.

He then boarded the jet, asked where he should sit, and eventually stretched out inside the cabin.

“Okay, guys, I will be in Philadelphia in five hours.”

“Kicked off commercial, I guess Private it is. 🖕 @americanair,” Arman captioned the post.

Nina Drama also joined the conversation, taking a jab at the airline.

“American Airlines ❌ Arman Airlines ✅,” she wrote.

Notably, the upcoming fight will be Tsarukyan’s fourth appearance under the promotional banner.

But Khabib’s case was a little different.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s fiasco with Frontier Airlines

He was kicked off his flight headed to Los Angeles for UFC 311 over what seemed like miscommunication. A flight attendant tried to confirm Khabib’s willingness to follow emergency protocol since he was seated in the emergency exit row. But his responses did not satisfy the airline staff. ‘The Eagle’ was unwilling to shift to another seat they offered, and there began the trouble.

Eventually, the airline staff called their supervisor, who had the ex-UFC champion escorted off the plane. What followed was a PR nightmare for the airlines.

Khabib took to X and wrote, “First of all, I need to clarify that it was @FlyFrontier not AlaskaAir. Lady who comes to me with questions was very rude from the very beginning, even though I speak very decent English and can understand everything and agreed to assist, she still insists on removing me from my seat. What was the base for that, racial, national or other one, I’m not sure.

“But after 2 minutes of conversation, she called security and I was deplaned from this aircraft, after 1,5 hour I boarded another airline one and left to my destination. I did my best to stay calm and respectful as you can see on the video. But those crew members could do better next time and just be nice with clients.”

The airline’s social media handle stated, “We are aware of the incident and are investigating.”

UFC CEO Dana White jumped into the fray, adding, “Yeah, that kid’s got more money that, Putin rained on him. Khabib shouldn’t even know what the f—k Frontier Airlines is, just like most people don’t.”

It appears that American Airlines could be staring at a similar situation with Arman Tsarukyan. Both Khabib and Arman are famous and well-off athletes who chose to fly in these airlines and ran into trouble. The backlash from their fandom is a PR fire no one would want to deal with. That being said, do you think Arman and his team’s action in the American Airlines flight warranted his off-boarding?