Recently, Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion, was involved in a controversy when he was kicked off a Frontier Airlines flight at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport.
The incident happened on January 11, 2025, when Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov got into a heated argument with a flight attendant over his seat in the emergency exit row.
The flight attendant questioned Khabib’s ability to assist passengers in case of an emergency, which is a standard requirement for exit row seats.
Khabib reportedly assured the attendant that he understood English and could assist.
Despite his assurances, the lady remained unconvinced and insisted he move to a different seat.
The flight attendant’s manager offered Khabib two options either to switch seats or take another flight.
However, Khabib felt he was treated rudely and declined both options, stating that it was not fair.
Khabib Nurmagomedov was kicked off a flight after an interaction with the staff😳‼️ pic.twitter.com/1tXK6FBilw
— Combat Casuals (@Combat_Casuals) January 12, 2025
After a brief exchange, the flight attendant called security, further escalating the situation, and he was escorted off the plane.
One of the passengers recorded the dispute and shared the video online, which quickly went viral.
The MMA community and fans expressed their support for Khabib and criticized the airline staff’s handling of the situation.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Addressed The Plane Incident Publicly On Instagram and Twitter!
Russian former professional mixed martial artist and the UFC Champion expressed his frustration, questioning whether the treatment he received was due to racial, national, or other biases.
He further emphasized that he tried to remain calm and respectful throughout the ordeal.
Khabib later took to social media to share his side of the story and stated that the treatment he received was unfair.
He further explained he had to wait for about 1.5 hours before boarding another flight to his destination.
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…
On the other hand, many fans and fighters have called for a boycott of Frontier Airline, accusing the airline staff of racial profiling.
Additionally, Colby Covington offered a critique of Khabib’s choice of traveling on that airline and stated:
Bratha why you fly the coach and the Alaska airlines bratha!?
Twitter
Moreover, John McCarthy, the MMA referee, criticized the airline’s actions, calling it bizarre and urging the airline to apologize, stating:
Have to say that
@TeamKhabib deserves an apology from whatever airline he was ejected from. The man speaks English well and there is not a more capable person on that plane to help others in an emergency situation than the man that was sitting in that exit row seat. Someone screwed up here and it wasn’t the Eagle!
Big John McCarthy
Moreover, Frontier Airlines has also responded to the controversy. They acknowledged the incident and stated that they are investigating it.
The airline also mentioned that they have refunded Khabib Nurmagomedov and will follow up with him directly.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Khabib, born on 20 September 1988, is a mixed martial arts promotor and trainer known for his undefeated career in the UFC.
- His father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, was a legendary MMA coach and influenced Khabib’s career.
- His accolades include UFC Lightweight Champion, Sherdog Breakthrough Fighter of the Year, and World Combat Sambo Championships Gold Medalist.
