MMA Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov Removed from Frontier Airlines Flight
MMA Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov Removed from Frontier Airlines Flight
The online community is furious after former MMA champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was asked to leave a Frontier Airlines flight for refusing to switch seats next to an emergency exit. For those who may not know, Nurmagomedov is the undefeated UFC Lightweight Champion, having held the title from April 2018 until March 2021, making him the longest-reigning champion in that category. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his humble and respectful nature.
In a video discreetly recorded and shared on social media, a flight attendant asked the Russian fighter to move his seat because other crew members felt “uncomfortable” with his location. “I know the language, I know how to help you,” the MMA champion was heard responding. When he expressed that the situation was “unfair,” the flight attendant contended that it was “fair” and subsequently contacted her supervisor, who had Nurmagomedov removed from the aircraft.
According to Al Jazeera, the athlete was reportedly traveling from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas to Los Angeles to support his teammates before the UFC 311 event scheduled for January 18. “The woman who approached me with questions was quite rude from the start, despite my decent English ability and willingness to assist; she still insisted on removing me from my seat. The rationale behind that — whether it was racial, national, or something else — remains unclear to me,” he shared on social media following the incident.
Nurmagomedov mentioned that after a brief conversation of about two minutes, the attendant called for security, resulting in his removal from the flight, after which he boarded another airline and continued to his destination a short while later. “I tried my best to remain calm and respectful, as seen in the video. However, the crew members could have handled the situation better and treated clients kindly.” Frontier Airlines addressed his post on X (formerly Twitter) and indicated they were aware of the incident and were looking into the issue.
The incident received widespread condemnation online, with numerous individuals, including those in the MMA community, expressing their backing for Nurmagomedov.MMA fighter Belal Muhammad stated that Nurmagomedov “could have tossed everyone off the plane and piloted it himself if he desired.”
MMA fighter Michael Chandler defended a fellow athlete in a post on X, stating, “Can you imagine an emergency occurring on your flight and choosing a ‘perfect’ speaking person over one of the greatest athletes ever because you feel ‘uncomfortable’ with his English proficiency (which is very good, by the way)?” His post addressed various online comments suggesting that the airline staff requested his removal due to doubts about his English-speaking abilities.
Former MMA coach John McCarthy felt that Nurmagomedov warranted an apology from the airline due to his proficiency in English and the belief that “there is no one better on that flight to assist others in an emergency.”
MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz stated, “Occasionally, negative situations arise for people, but Khabib consistently approaches and communicates due to his demeanor, class, and respect for others.”
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) commentator and mixed martial arts analyst Laura Sanko expressed that she couldn’t think of anyone better suited to open a door and assist during an emergency than Nurmagomedov.
MMA analyst Omer Osman posted on X, “Even if you are considered one of the top athletes of this generation, it doesn’t shield you from discrimination.”
In the meantime, certain internet users speculated that Nurmagomedov was taken off the flight because of his support for Palestine.
Palestinian reporter Motaz Azaiza replied to the athlete’s post: “Do not hold back. She was indeed disrespectful.”
Turkish actor Celal Al also shared his thoughts on the post. “My brother, you displayed the tranquility that befits you. However, they owe you an apology for this disrespect.”
YouTuber Adam Saleh pointed out that it was 2025, yet Islamophobia still persisted. “We have great admiration for you, Khabib. You managed the situation admirably.
‘Highly competent’
Numerous social media users thought the MMA champion was the “most qualified” individual to occupy the emergency exit row.
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