Michael Chandler defends Khabib Nurmagomedov after Frontier Airlines flight removal

Khabib Nurmagomedov has Michael Chandler’s support after he was abruptly removed from a flight.

Nurmagomedov, who was sitting by the window in an exit row, was escorted out of a Frontier Airlines flight Saturday after he was given a choice to move to a new seat or be removed from the aircraft.

Nurmagomedov revealed the incident was related to his fluency in English, which is a mandatory requirement for passengers in exit row seats on flights departing from the U.S. Video shows a calm and respectful Nurmagomedov, who claimed the situation was “not fair.”

Chandler came to Nurmagomedov’s defense.

“Can you imagine, an emergency happens on your plane and you would prefer a “perfect” speaking human instead of one of the greatest athletes of all time because you’re “uncomfortable” with his ability to speak English (which is very good, btw) – this is bizarre. Not only was he the most physically capable human being on the plane but I’m pretty sure the ONLY qualification to sitting in the exit row is being able to say the word ‘yes.’ @TeamKhabib.”

Can you imagine, an emergency happens on your plane and you would prefer a “perfect” speaking human instead of one of the greatest athletes of all time because you’re “uncomfortable” with his ability to speak English(which is very good, btw) – this is bizarre. Not only was he the…

— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) January 13, 2025

“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. @TeamKhabib.”

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…

— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) January 13, 2025

Chandler’s comments may come as a surprise to many, considering that, since his Bellator days, he was adamant that he could beat Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov retired before Chandler made his UFC debut, but the rivalry continued with “The Eagle’s” protege, Islam Makhachev, capturing the UFC lightweight title.