Former UFC Hall of Famer, Khabib Nurmagomedov, gained public attention when he was asked to disembark from a flight due to a seeming disagreement about his seat assignment. This incident was brought to the spotlight when an early morning social media post on Sunday, January 12, displayed a video allegedly showing Nurmagomedov, aged 36, entangled in an altercation with an airline crew member. The dispute seemed to have originated from Nurmagomedov, of Russian descent, occupying an exit row seat on a flight originating from Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas, en-route to Los Angeles.
The leaked video, presumably shot by another passenger present on the flight, shows Nurmagomedov embroiled in a conversation with the airline staff. He was attempting to convince her of his fluency in English and his ability to assist in an emergency situation, while simultaneously probing about the aspect of contention. The footage captured Nurmagomedov in a state of bewilderment, trying to comprehend the staff member’s position.
The conversations between the two parties escalated when the airline staff gave an ultimatum to Nurmagomedov. She suggested he either moves to a different seat as the flight attendants deemed it inappropriate for him to sit in the exit row, or he would have to leave the flight and have his booking rescheduled. The decorated champion responded by echoing his discontentment with the proceedings, denoting the situation as ‘unfair’.
Furthering the dispute, the argument kept shifting back to Nurmagomedov’s understanding and command over the English language. He explained that he had already confirmed his proficiency in English with airport staffers while checking in. Despite such communication, Nurmagomedov was told by the airline staff that he was still not allowed to sit in the exit row seat.
Towards the end of the incident, the airline staff repeats her firm stance and communicates the rationale behind it. The restriction was implemented owing to the flight attendant’s decision to not let Nurmagomedov be positioned in the exit row. She finally ended the conversation by informing him that either he accommodates himself on a different seat or the airline supervisors would intervene to escort him out.
The situation took on another turn when Nurmagomedov was told that he would need to be scheduled on a different flight. As a result, he proceeded to walk down the aisle, accompanied by a second airline official. High-profile media outlet, Al Jazeera, reported that the people accompanying Nurmagomedov also had to vacate the aircraft.
In subsequent reports, it was theorized that Nurmagomedov might have been on his way to California to attend the UFC 311 event scheduled for January 18 in Inglewood. This theory was supported by several speculations appearing on various social media platforms.
Adding to the mix of things, many social network users speculated that the incident unfolded on an Alaska Airlines flight. However, the airline responded by categorically denying this claim. Firmly stating that the incident did not occur on one of their aircraft, the administration citing absence of any recorded proof on their end.
Debunking internet theories, the airline officials were quoted saying, ‘We have seen media reports with a video showing a passenger being asked to leave an aircraft, incorrectly identifying it as an Alaska Airlines flight. We have checked our records and did not have this individual on an Alaska Airlines flight that day.’ Though, up until the point of reporting, official representatives did not provide any comment on the matter.
Renowned for his stint in UFC, Nurmagomedov marked his career with an unbeaten record of 29-0. His illustrious career also saw him crowned as the longest-reigning UFC lightweight champion. His championship reign spanned from April 2018 until he announced his retirement from the sport in March 2021.