Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC Corridor of Fame Induction Ceremony 2022 Credit score: Alex Behunin/Cageside Press
Former UFC light-weight champion and Corridor of Fame member Khabib Nurmagomedov was compelled off an Alaska Airways flight on Saturday, resulting in requires a “transparent probe” by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
In video circulated on social media on Sunday, the retired MMA star and present coach could be seen in a dialog with an unnamed Alaska Air worker, who states that Nurmagomedov should swap seats, as a flight attendant is “uncomfortable” with him sitting subsequent to an exit door.
The worker in query offers however two choices: agree to maneuver, or be compelled from the flight. “What we’re going to do is we’re either going to have you switch your seat because my flight attendants are not allowing you to sit in the exit row or you’re going to have to get off this plane,” she states, responding “because they’re not comfortable with you sitting in the exit row” when requested why the transfer is required.
It seems that on the floor, the crew could also be claiming concern over whether or not Nurmagomedov, a Dagestani, would be capable to help different passengers in case of emergency. The retired professional athlete speaks English, and has dealt with press conferences and media obligations and not using a translator for years.
“I’m not going to do this back and forth. I will call a supervisor. You can either take a different seat or we can go ahead and escort you off the plane,” the airline worker states earlier than the video clip ends, with Khabib getting up and leaving his seat, apparently exiting on his personal accord.
In response to the incident, CAIR, who state they’re the biggest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, has known as for an impartial, clear probe.
CAIR Nationwide Government Director Nihad Awad mentioned in an announcement issued Sunday that “We name on Alaska Airways and the U.S. Division of Transportation to swiftly and transparently examine this incident to find out precisely what occurred on this flight and why athlete and Muslim advocate Khabib Nurmagomedov was handled this fashion and whether or not spiritual or racial profiling performed a task in his remedy.
“Given how often incidents of racial and religious profiling occur on airlines, especially against travelers who are noticeably Muslim, Alaska Airlines should also publicly release the results of its investigation and take appropriate action to address any misconduct or mistakes by its staff.”
Cageside Press has reached out to Alaska Airways for remark.
Nurmagomedov is anticipated to be readily available when pal and teammate Islam Makhachev defends his light-weight title in opposition to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 in Inglewood, CA this coming Saturday. Cousin Umar Nurmagomedov may even be in motion, difficult Merab Dvalishvili within the night time’s co-main occasion.
