UFC fighter Arman Tsarukyan and his associates 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 passengers who refused to comply with federal regulations,” stated American Airlines representatives. “Safety is our utmost priority, and we expect our passengers to follow the instructions of the crew members while on board our aircraft, which includes remaining seated when the aircraft is taxiing.”
Tsarukyan was en route to Philadelphia for his fight at RAF 08, where he was scheduled to face Urijah Faber in the co-main event.
Subsequently, he boarded a private flight and shared an update on Instagram, saying, “I hope they’re not going to kick me out from this plane. OK guys, I’ll be five hours in Philadelphia.”