Top UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has humorously responded on social media after being removed from an American Airlines flight. The incident occurred while he was traveling to Philadelphia for RAF 08. Reports indicate that Tsarukyan and two teammates were asked to deboard the plane for allegedly using their phones during takeoff, among other reasons.
Following this experience, Tsarukyan opted for a private jet to reach Philadelphia. In a lighthearted moment captured in a viral clip, he playfully told Nina-Marie Daniele to perform 10 push-ups or face being “sent straight to American Airlines.” He shared this moment on his Instagram with the caption: “10 push-ups or she goes to American Airlines ✈😂 @ninamariedaniele.”
American Airlines has since issued an official statement regarding the incident. Footage emerged showing Tsarukyan in a verbal exchange with a flight attendant as he was recording a video prior to his removal. The airline’s statement clarified: “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 statement suggests that Tsarukyan and his companions were standing in the aisle during taxiing and did not return to their seats when instructed, leading to their removal after crew members attempted to resolve the situation.
Tsarukyan is scheduled to return to Real American Freestyle this weekend to compete against UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber.
Arman Tsarukyan Mocks American Airlines Over Flight Removal
UFC Fighter’s Humorous Reaction to Being Deplaned
Arman Tsarukyan, a prominent figure in the UFC lightweight division, found himself in a viral moment after being escorted off an American Airlines flight. The incident, which involved Tsarukyan and his teammates, occurred while they were en route to Philadelphia for RAF 08.
Sources report that the reason for their removal was the alleged use of mobile phones during takeoff, alongside other unspecified issues. Despite the inconvenience, Tsarukyan managed to make light of the situation.
He later boarded a private jet, arriving in Philadelphia in style. In a humorous clip shared online, Tsarukyan jokingly challenged Nina-Marie Daniele to complete 10 push-ups, threatening to send her to “American Airlines” if she failed. He posted this lighthearted exchange on his Instagram account.
American Airlines released an official statement addressing the incident. New footage surfaced showing Tsarukyan in a discussion with a flight attendant while recording a video before his deplaning. The airline emphasized its commitment to safety and adherence to federal regulations, stating that the passengers were removed for refusing to follow instructions, specifically remaining seated while the aircraft was taxiing.
The airline’s 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 controversy unfolded just before Tsarukyan’s upcoming match at Real American Freestyle, where he is set to face UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber.
