UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan found himself in an unexpected pre-fight scrap this week, but it wasn't in the octagon. The rising star was reportedly removed from an American Airlines flight, adding another dramatic chapter to his headline-grabbing journey.

The incident occurred on a flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia, where Tsarukyan was headed to headline a professional wrestling event. Initial reports from a video posted by journalist Adam Zubayraev suggested the fighter was ejected for refusing to get off his phone during the takeoff procedure, a clear violation of federal aviation safety rules.

However, American Airlines later clarified the situation in a statement to MMA Fighting. The airline stated the flight returned to the gate at LAX because customers refused to follow crew instructions, specifically by standing in the aisle while the aircraft was taxiing. Safety is the paramount concern in these situations, and non-compliance forces crews to take decisive action.

Never one to be sidelined, Tsarukyan quickly adapted his game plan. He and his team secured a private jet to continue their trip to Philadelphia, where he is scheduled to wrestle UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber this Saturday. True to his fighter's spirit, Tsarukyan even posted a video from the new aircraft with a wry comment: "I hope they’re not going to kick me out of this plane."

For an athlete known for his intense focus and relentless pressure inside the cage, this travel disruption serves as a stark reminder that the fight game extends beyond the arena. As Tsarukyan prepares for his main event showdown, he's already proven his ability to overcome unexpected adversity—even at 30,000 feet.