UFC's American fighter stands up for unbeaten Nurmagomedov after US airline scandal

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title challenger, American Michael Chandler has stood up for the UFC unbeaten 29-0 champion Khabib Nurmagomedov after he was removed from the US Frontier Airlines flight.

"If you’re going to kick our GOAT off the plane for a little accent, please start making passengers do a physical and mental fitness aptitude test before you let them sit in the exit row after uttering a one word, one syllable, “yes.” Because I’ve seen some slugs in the exit row on flights," Caliber.Az reports, citing Chandler's post on X.

To recall, on January 12, Nurmagomedov was on his way to Los Angeles for UFC 311 to support his teammates.

The situation escalated after an exchange with a flight attendant, which ultimately resulted in Khabib being escorted off the plane.

Khabib was seated in the emergency exit row when a flight attendant, following standard procedure, inquired whether he could assist passengers in the event of an emergency. Witnesses who filmed the incident noted that the question appeared to confuse him. 

This led to a brief exchange, and the flight attendant requested that he change seats. Khabib, however, refused. When informed that he couldn't remain in the exit row without agreeing to the responsibility, Khabib responded, “It’s not fair.” He further explained that during check-in, the staff had confirmed his ability to understand English. “Then why are you doing this?” he asked, highlighting his compliance during boarding. 

The flight attendant, clearly frustrated, issued an ultimatum: “Take a different seat or get off the plane.” Refusing to comply, Khabib had a supervisor called in. Shortly after, the undefeated fighter was escorted off the plane, with his teammates following him in support.

Khabib Nurmagomedov is a retired Russian professional mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC's Lightweight division. He holds the record for the longest reign as UFC Lightweight Champion, holding the title from April 2018 until March 2021. With a perfect record of 29 wins and no losses, Nurmagomedov retired undefeated. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame on June 30, 2022.

A two-time world champion in combat sambo, Nurmagomedov also has extensive experience in wrestling, judo, and sambo. He was ranked #1 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings at the time of his retirement, although he was removed following his title relinquishment in March 2021. 

By Khagan Isayev