MMA Fighter Aaron ‘Tex’ Johnson Removed from Southwest Flight After Viral Meltdown at LaGuardia

Aaron “Tex” Johnson, a veteran MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) fighter, ignited chaos aboard a Southwest Airlines flight departing New York’s LaGuardia Airport on July 25, 2025. Viral videos captured the 39-year-old screaming obscenities at crew members, threatening passengers, and invoking racial tensions before being physically restrained and hauled off the plane on a stretcher. The incident, sparked by a baggage dispute, ended with Johnson facing disorderly conduct charges and hospitalization for evaluation.

Who is Aaron “Tex” Johnson?

Born in Bedford, Ohio, on April 1, 1986, Johnson’s early life involved frequent moves due to his father’s military career. His martial arts journey began with taekwondo before transitioning to BJJ, where he earned a black belt under renowned instructors Philip Smith and Murilo Santana. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 230 pounds, Johnson built a formidable reputation in combat sports. His nickname “Tex” stuck after a high school move from Texas to Georgia. Johnson competed in promotions like Bellator, amassing a professional MMA record of 13 wins and 10 losses before retiring in 2015. In BJJ, he is a three-time IBJJF Pan American No-Gi Champion, with 87 career wins.

The Explosive Southwest Airlines Incident

The altercation began when Johnson erupted over a baggage issue, calling flight attendants “losers” and “pieces of sh*t” in footage shared by Twitter/X users @ScaryEurope and @MAGAgeddon. He accused staff of racial discrimination, yelling, “I’m being treated like a black person!” while threatening legal action. Despite repeated warnings, Johnson refused to deplane peacefully. Port Authority Police intervened, restraining him on a stretcher as he continued shouting obscenities in the terminal. He was hospitalized for evaluation and charged with disorderly conduct. Johnson later claimed the conflict stemmed from a bag dispute but offered no apology for his conduct.

Johnson’s Combat Sports Legacy and Current Status

Johnson’s grappling expertise made him a feared competitor, with notable wins against Davi Ramos and Jackson Sousa. His aggressive, submission-focused style earned respect in BJJ circles, though his MMA career was less consistent. Post-retirement, Johnson sustained a net worth estimated between $300,000–$500,000 through seminars, sponsorships, and competition earnings. Little is known about his personal life, as he keeps details about relationships or children private. The incident has overshadowed his athletic legacy, drawing criticism from martial arts communities for violating the discipline central to his training.

Fallout and Public Reaction

The viral clips sparked widespread condemnation. Aviation expert Dr. Henry Harteveldt (Atmosphere Research Group) emphasized that airlines prioritize passenger safety: “Crews are trained to de-escalate, but physical threats mandate immediate removal per FAA protocols.” Southwest confirmed cooperation with authorities but declined further comment. Johnson has not addressed the incident beyond social media, where followers expressed disappointment in his conduct.

Johnson’s meltdown serves as a stark reminder that professional accolades offer no immunity to real-world consequences. His removal underscores airlines’ zero-tolerance policies for aggression—passengers should resolve disputes calmly or risk grounding their own futures.

Must Know

What sparked Aaron Johnson’s meltdown?
The incident began with a disagreement over baggage handling. Johnson escalated verbally, insulting crew members and passengers. Authorities confirmed no physical altercation occurred before his removal.

Was Aaron Johnson arrested?
He was charged with disorderly conduct by Port Authority Police and taken to a hospital for evaluation. Legal outcomes remain pending as of July 2025.

What is Aaron Johnson’s fighting background?
Johnson is a 3x IBJJF Pan American No-Gi Champion and retired MMA fighter with a 13-10 professional record. He trained under BJJ elites Murilo Santana and Philip Smith.

How has the public reacted?
Social media responses overwhelmingly criticized Johnson. Critics highlighted the irony of a martial artist losing composure, while supporters questioned potential provocation.

Could this affect Johnson’s career?
Likely. Seminar invitations and sponsorships may dwindle given the reputational damage. The incident could also impact future travel, as airlines share no-fly lists.

What are FAA rules on passenger misconduct?
Federal Aviation Administration guidelines (updated 2024) mandate fines up to $37,000 and prosecution for interfering with crew. Airlines may ban offenders indefinitely.