Khabib speaks out after being escorted off Frontier Airlines flight
Former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has broken his silence after being removed from a Frontier Airlines flight following an altercation with staff. The incident, which occurred at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport, has sparked widespread attention online. Khabib claims he was unfairly treated and has taken to social media to share his side of the story.
What happened with Khabib on Frontier Airlines?
On January 12, 2025, Khabib posted on X (formerly Twitter), clarifying details about the incident. Contrary to earlier reports, the airline involved was Frontier Airlines, not Alaska Airlines. Khabib explained that the dispute arose when a flight attendant approached him while he was seated in the exit row. Despite his willingness to comply with safety requirements, the situation escalated.
“The lady who comes to me with questions was very rude from the very beginning,” Khabib wrote. “Even though I speak very decent English and can understand everything, she still insisted on removing me from my seat.” He expressed uncertainty about the motives behind the treatment, questioning whether it was racial, national, or otherwise.
The issue began when Khabib, seated in the exit row, was questioned about his ability to assist in an emergency—a standard requirement for such seats. Despite assuring the flight attendant that he could comply, the conversation became heated. In a video filmed by another passenger, the flight attendant is heard saying, “We cannot allow you to sit in the exit row… I’m not going to do this back and forth. I’ll go call a supervisor. You can either take a different seat or we can escort you off the plane.”
Khabib, visibly upset, responded, “It’s not fair,” expressing his confusion since he had already passed the check-in process and confirmed his English proficiency. Security was eventually called, and Khabib was escorted off the flight.
Khabib’s reaction and next steps
In his post, Khabib emphasized that he remained calm and respectful throughout the ordeal. He criticized the airline staff for their unprofessional handling of the situation. “What was the base for that—racial, national, or other? I’m not sure,” he noted, adding that he quickly arranged an alternative flight to continue his journey.
Khabib was traveling to California to support his teammates ahead of UFC 311, which features title fights involving Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov. Despite the disruption, Khabib successfully reached his destination within an hour and a half of the incident.
Public reaction and ongoing discussions
The viral nature of the incident has ignited debates on social media, with fans and critics weighing in on the treatment Khabib received. While some have called for better training and professionalism among airline staff, others have raised questions about the enforcement of seating policies.
Frontier Airlines has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. Meanwhile, Khabib’s supporters continue to rally behind him, calling for accountability and fair treatment for all passengers.
Khabib’s message to fans
Despite the ordeal, Khabib has expressed gratitude for the support he has received. As the controversy unfolds, fans eagerly await further updates from both the airline and the UFC legend himself.