Top UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has been making light of his recent experience being removed from an American Airlines flight, taking to social media to humorously criticize the airline.
Earlier, reports indicated that the Armenian fighter and two of his teammates were asked to deplane while en route to Philadelphia for RAF 08. The reasons cited included using his phone during takeoff.
Following the incident, Tsarukyan opted for a private jet to reach Philadelphia. In a viral clip, he was seen jokingly telling Nina-Marie Daniele to perform 10 push-ups, threatening to send her to American Airlines if she refused. Tsarukyan shared this moment on his Instagram:
“10 push-ups or she goes to American Airlines ✈😂 @ninamariedaniele”
American Airlines Issues Statement on Tsarukyan Incident
New footage has emerged showing Arman Tsarukyan in a verbal exchange with a flight attendant before being removed from the plane. American Airlines has since released an official statement addressing the situation.
The airline stated: “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 incident involved Tsarukyan and his companions reportedly remaining in the aisle while the plane was taxiing and not returning to their seats when instructed by the crew. The decision was made to remove them from the flight to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Tsarukyan is scheduled to return to action at Real American Freestyle this weekend, where he is set to face UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber.
English Translation and Rewritten Text:
Top UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has been humorously criticizing American Airlines on social media after being removed from one of their flights. The fighter shared a lighthearted reaction to the situation, which has gained viral attention.
It was previously reported that Tsarukyan, along with two teammates, was asked to disembark a flight bound for Philadelphia for the RAF 08 event. The airline cited reasons including the use of his phone during takeoff.
After this event, Tsarukyan traveled to Philadelphia via private jet. He also posted a humorous clip on Instagram where he playfully told Nina-Marie Daniele to do 10 push-ups, or he would send her to American Airlines. The caption read: “10 push-ups or she goes to American Airlines ✈😂 @ninamariedaniele.”
American Airlines Responds to Arman Tsarukyan’s Removal
Further footage surfaced showing Arman Tsarukyan in an argument with a flight attendant prior to his removal from the flight. In response, American Airlines issued an official statement detailing the incident.
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.”
According to the statement and accompanying footage, Tsarukyan and his friends were standing in the aisle during taxiing and declined to return to their seats when instructed by the crew, leading to their removal from the flight.
Arman Tsarukyan is preparing for his upcoming fight at Real American Freestyle against UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber.
