Frontier Airlines is adamant they didn’t make a mistake when they signed the UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov Out of flight this weekend … claiming the 29-0 fighter jet ignored flight attendant instructions before takeoff.
but TMZ Sports just spoke to someone close to Khabib who says that’s just a lie.
First, the border side of things: The airline says Khabib, who was sitting in the exit row, did not indicate that he was ready and able to help in the event of an emergency.
“Mr. Nurmagomedov did not respond, despite repeated attempts, prompting him to non-comply with FAA requirements,” Frontier told us in a statement.
Instead of kicking him off the plane, the flight attendant gave the retired fighter jet two options: switch seats or deplane.
The airline also added that the video circulating on social media failed to capture this part of the incident.
TikTok / @viceplayer28
Frontier also clarified that “the decision to remove a customer from a flight is in no way related to their nationality.”
We hit Khabib’s manager, Ali Abdelazizwho told us Frontier’s version was fiction, adding that his client claims he made it clear he was perfectly capable of helping if things went south.
“The lady who comes to me with questions was very rude from the beginning, even though I speak very good English and can understand everything and agreed to help, she still insists on removing me from my seat. What was that?” I’m not sure whether it’s a racial, national or other basis,” Nurmagomedov clarified on Sunday.
“But after 2 minutes of talking, he called security and I got off this plane, 1.5 hours later I got on another airline and left for my destination. I did my best to stay calm and respectful, as you can see in the video those staff members can do better next time and just be nice to customers.”
Despite the awkward situation, we’re told Khabib wants to move on … and is focused on UFC 311 on Saturday.
