The UFC community is upset after their favorite champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, was removed from an Alaska Airlines flight. This kind of thing doesn’t usually happen to celebrities, but it caused a big stir in the media. The incident took place at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, sparking controversy and criticism of the airline.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is no stranger to headlines. Since becoming a champion in 2018, he has been in the spotlight for his connections with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, Russian oligarchs, and his controversial statements.
Recently, Khabib Nurmagomedov had a tough experience on an Alaska Airlines flight. Given his exit row seat, a flight attendant inquired if Khabib could assist passengers in an emergency. Even though Khabib agreed and spoke English well, the situation got worse, and he was removed from the flight.
UFC World Champion #khabibnurmagomedov removed from @FlyFrontier airplane because someone reported that she is not comfortable he is sitting next to the emergency exit. The only reason that comes to the mind that she knows he is Pro-#Palestine and Anti-#Israel.
— Shaheen (@shaheena45) January 13, 2025
Really they should… pic.twitter.com/wDBQuV0mkB
In a video that has since gone viral, a flight attendant is heard saying, “We cannot allow you to sit in the exit row… I am not going to do this back and forth.” Khabib responded, “It’s not fair.” Despite his protests, security was called, and he was escorted off the aircraft.
The incident has drawn criticism from fans and the MMA community, with many questioning the airline’s decision and the fairness of the situation.
He should sue the airline and that woman… Khabib is the epitome of decency in a man… unnecessary!
— Sean Kennedy (@SeanPK181) January 13, 2025
How can a man seen as a threat by another person be this nice and calm.
— Abdul-Rahim Abubakar Bansuwer (@Bukari_Bansuwer) January 13, 2025
See how he was even interacting with the woman gently.
Imagine if the air crew had stood up to the rude lady who complained and supported him instead—@FlyFrontier would have earned miles of praise and positive PR for the brand! Looks like they’re facing a PR crisis now lol
— Gamerdad1980 (@jet_law) January 13, 2025
That man is beyond capable of moving that damn door to get people out.
— MJ🇺🇸 (@MistyJernigan17) January 13, 2025
Probably the most capable.
Khabib shared his side of the story on his social media.
Khabib Nurmagomedov explains flight incident details
Khabib Nurmagomedov shared his side of the story on social media, saying it was FlyFrontier, not Alaska Airlines, that removed him from the flight. He explained, “Lady who comes to me with questions was very rude from the very beginning, even though I speak very decent English and can understand everything and agreed to assist, she still insists on removing me from my seat,”
First of all, I need to clarify that it was @FlyFrontier not AlaskaAir.
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) January 12, 2025
Lady who comes to me with questions was very rude from the very beginning, even though I speak very decent English and can understand everything and agreed to assist, she still insists on removing me from my…
He added, “After two minutes of conversation, she called security, and I was deplaned from this aircraft. After 1.5 hours, I boarded another airline and left for my destination. I did my best to stay calm and respectful as you can see on the video. But those crew members could do better next time and just be nice with clients.”
