Khabib Nurmagomedov's removal from a Frontier Airlines plane over an exit seat dispute has taken the MMA world by storm.
Nurmagomedov was already popular for his Irish vs. Russian MMA comments. Now, footage of Nurmagomedov being removed from the plane has gone viral, leading to much speculation about why 'The Eagle' was forced off the plane.
Many MMA experts and UFC fighters have responded to the story, including fellow American Shara Bullet and former UFC lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler, who called the incident “bizarre.”
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Michael Chandler accuses Frontier Airlines of discriminating against Khabib Nurmagomedov
Shortly after the incident made the rounds, “Iron Mike” went to X and called out the airline for discriminating against “one of the greatest athletes of all time.”
“Can you imagine if an emergency occurs on your plane and you would rather have a 'perfect' speaking human being instead of one of the greatest athletes of all time because you feel 'uncomfortable' with his ability to speak English speaking (which is very good in the manner) – this is bizarre,” Chandler wrote.
“Not only was he the most physically capable human being on the plane, but I'm pretty sure the only qualification for sitting in the exit row is that he can say the word 'yes'.”
Can you imagine if an emergency occurs on your plane and you would rather have a “perfect” speaking human being instead of one of the greatest athletes of all time because you feel “uncomfortable” with his ability to speak English (which is very good btw) – this is bizarre. He was not only the…
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) January 13, 2025
View Tweet
Chandler followed up with another post proposing a new means-tested system for exit row passengers, highlighting that he had seen some “slugs” in the exit row seats.
“If you want to kick our GOAT off the plane because of a little accent, please start by making passengers take a physical and mental fitness test before letting them sit in the exit row after they say one word and one syllable, 'Yes'. Chandler noted. “Because I've seen some slugs in the exit row on flights.”
If you want to kick our GOAT off the plane because of a little accent, please start making passengers take a physical and mental fitness test before letting them sit in the exit row after saying one word and one syllable: 'Yes . ” Because I saw some slugs in the exit line…
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) January 13, 2025
View Tweet
Chandler, 38, is gearing up for a rumored fight with Paddy Pimblett. He is riding a 1-4 record in his last five UFC appearances and is earning four performance bonuses. While he may be out of the picture, Chandler's big influence and a win over Pimblett could put him back in contention.
Khabib Nurmagomedov clears the air on the Frontier Airlines drama
Nurmagomedov leaves nothing to speculation. 'The Eagle' released a statement about the flight incident, noting that he was unsure why he was removed from the plane. He ended his statement amicably by saying the crew members “could do better.”
“The lady who came to me with questions was very rude from the beginning,” Nurmagomedov clarified. “[Even though I speak and understand good English] she still insists on getting me out of my seat. What the basis for that was, racial, national or something else, I'm not sure.
“After a two-minute conversation, she called security and I was kicked off this plane. . . . I did my best to remain calm and respectful, as you can see in the video. But those crew members can do better next time and just be nice to the customers.”
View Tweet
Nurmagomedov remains retired since defeating Justin Gaethje in 2020. His protégé, Islam Makhachev, has a chance to break Nurmagomedov's lightweight title defense record at UFC 311. Even though Nurmagomedov admits he doesn't enjoy cornering his fighters take, we should still see him in the fight corner of Makhachev at night.
Related topics
Comments