UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov removed from Alaska Airlines flight in Las Vegas

A video recorded by a fellow passenger shows a flight attendant asking the 36-year-old if he could fulfill the duties required of his seat.

By: Express Web Desk

January 13, 2025 01:30 AM IST

2 min read

Despite being offered an alternative seat or flight, the situation remained unresolved. (AP photo)

Retired UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov was escorted off an Alaska Airlines flight in Las Vegas following a dispute over seating arrangements. The incident occurred at Harry Reid International Airport, where the Hall of Fame UFC fighter was seated in the plane’s exit row. Airline staff raised concerns about whether Nurmagomedov could assist other passengers in an emergency, a requirement for exit-row seating.

A video recorded by a fellow passenger shows a flight attendant asking the 36-year-old if he could fulfill the duties required of his seat. When Nurmagomedov expressed dissatisfaction, the attendant is heard saying, “We cannot allow you to sit in the exit row … I’ll go call a supervisor. You can either take a different seat or we can go ahead and escort you off the plane.”

Nurmagomedov, who retired from MMA with an unbeaten 29-0 record, responded by saying, “It’s not fair,” and stated that he had complied with the onboarding process. He questioned the staff’s decision, noting that he had confirmed his English proficiency during check-in.

Despite being offered an alternative seat or flight, the situation remained unresolved.

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Nurmagomedov and his companions were eventually escorted off the aircraft. Reports suggest he was traveling to California to support his teammates ahead of the UFC 311 event on January 18.

Neither Alaska Airlines nor Nurmagomedov has commented on the incident, which reportedly took place on January 11.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

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