Khabib Nurmagomedov Removed from Flight After Seating Dispute

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was removed from an Alaska Airlines flight following a disagreement over seating in the exit row. The incident, captured on a fellow passenger’s phone, quickly went viral, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

In the footage, airline staff are seen asking Nurmagomedov to change seats, citing safety regulations. The retired fighter refused, prompting a flight attendant to warn him about involving a supervisor. Shortly after, Nurmagomedov voluntarily left the plane.

The 36-year-old questioned the airline's decision, saying: "It’s not fair. When I was at check-in, they asked if I knew English, and I said yes. So why do you guys do this?"

Nurmagomedov, from Dagestan, Russia, retired in 2020 with a perfect 29-0 record. He is celebrated as the first Russian and Muslim to win the UFC lightweight championship. Among his career highlights was a 2018 victory over Conor McGregor in a high-profile title fight.