Arman Tsarukyan Kicked Off American Airlines

Arman Tsarukyan and several members of his coaching staff were removed from an American Airlines flight.

The Armenian was traveling to Pennsylvania for RAF 08, but a disagreement over aviation safety rules ensured he didn’t reach his destination on the original itinerary. Reports indicate the friction began when a member of Tsarukyan’s party reportedly ignored instructions to put away a mobile phone as the aircraft began its taxi.

The tension spiked further when another associate lowered their tray table ahead of schedule, sparking a heated back-and-forth with the cabin crew. The captain returned back to the terminal. Security personnel then boarded and removed Tsarukyan and two other individuals from the flight.

The Flight

Arman Tsarukyan was reportedly just kicked off an American Airlines flight because he was "looking at his phone during takeoff" 😬

(via @AdamZubayraev) pic.twitter.com/X2mRiKsCHR
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 16, 2026

Tsarukyan is still on track to compete at the Liacouras Center this Saturday, April 18. With a 3-0 record in the Real American Freestyle circuit, Tsarukyan has used wrestling to bridge the gap while he waits for his shot at the UFC lightweight title. Once his wrestling duties conclude, Arman will head to Newark on May 9. He is confirmed to attend UFC 328 to see Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland main event.

Bout Type | Matchup | Location
Main Event | Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo | Philadelphia, PA
Co-Headliner | Arman Tsarukyan vs. Urijah Faber | Liacouras Center
Stream | FOX Nation | 8:00 PM ET

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