Khabib Nurmagomedov: Former UFC champion escorted from plane after exit-seat dispute
Former mixed martial arts champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was escorted off a plane after refusing to leave his exit seat.
The 36-year-old Russian reportedly got into an argument with a flight attendant before a Frontier Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Los Angeles took off.
In a video of the incident that was widely shared on social media on Sunday, Khabib was told to either change seats or get off the plane and rebook on another flight.
When he asked why, the former undefeated UFC lightweight champion was told: “Because they (flight attendants) are uncomfortable with you sitting in the emergency exit row,” to which he replied “That’s not fair.”
He was then warned again and the server said if he didn’t act she would call a supervisor.
Khabib responded that he “wanted to sit here” before another staff member asked him to leave. He then left the plane calmly.
Khabib is considered one of the best MMA fighters of all time, winning all 29 UFC fights, including a 2018 victory over Conor McGregor.
Khabib said in a statement from Removed from my account.
“I’m not sure what the basis for that is, whether it’s race, ethnicity or whatever.
“But after a 2-minute conversation, she called security and I got off the plane and I boarded another airline to my destination.
“As you can see in the video, I tried to remain calm and respectful.
“But those staff can do a better job next time and be a little nicer to customers.”
“We are aware of the incident and are investigating,” Frontier Airlines wrote in response to Khabib’s post on X.
BBC Sport has contacted the airline for further details.
