UFC fighter Arman Tsarukyan and his companions were removed from an American Airlines flight traveling from Los Angeles to Philadelphia on Thursday.
Footage of the incident has circulated online, prompting a statement from the airline.
“On April 16, American Airlines flight 513 returned to the gate at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) due to customers who refused to comply with federal regulations,” an American Airlines representative stated. “Safety is our utmost priority, and we expect our passengers to adhere to instructions from the crew onboard our aircraft, which includes remaining seated while the plane is taxiing.”
Tsarukyan was en route to Philadelphia for his scheduled match at RIZIN 08, where he was set to face Urijah Faber in the co-main event.
Following the incident, Tsarukyan boarded a private flight and shared an update on Instagram, humorously remarking, “I hope they’re not going to kick me out from this plane. OK guys, I’ll be five hours in Philadelphia.”
