Nina-Marie Daniele: UFC Interview Star and “Western Drama Burger” Founder

Nina-Marie Daniele, widely known online as “Nina Drama” has transformed from a New York–raised creative writing student and model into one of MMA’s most recognizable interview personalities

After her Playboy Playmate of the Month (April 2017) breakthrough, she pivoted into combat-sports content, building a cross-platform audience with playful, off-beat fighter interviews, backstage snippets, and short-form skits around major UFC weeks.

In 2024–2025 she also launched the Western Drama Burger collaboration, while continuing to rack up viral moments at numbered UFC events. Below is her updated biography, career timeline, and the latest news.

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Table of Contents

Nina Marie Daniele’s Bio

Nina Marie Daniele was born and raised in New York. Her early education was typical of many young Americans, attending local elementary and high schools.¹

However, Nina’s academic journey took a unique turn when she developed a passion for creative writing, particularly poetry.

She pursued this interest further by enrolling in a nearby university, where she focused her studies on creative writing with a concentration in poetry.

This educational background not only honed her writing skills but also laid the foundation for her later endeavors in media and entertainment.

Quick poll: do you love or hate Nina Drama ? LOL pic.twitter.com/3DExNEMxKq

— Nina-Marie Daniele (@ninamdrama) August 23, 2025

Early Life and Education

Nina’s foray into the modeling world began after her college graduation. With her striking looks and vibrant personality, she soon caught the attention of several modeling agencies.

However, her big break came in April 2017 when she was named “Playmate of the Month” by Playboy Magazine. This accolade brought her significant attention and opened numerous doors in the modeling industry.

Being featured in Playboy was a pivotal moment for Nina. It not only boosted her public profile but also allowed her to explore various opportunities within the entertainment sector.

The title of “Playmate of the Month” is prestigious and helped her gain recognition, but Nina was determined to build a career that extended beyond traditional modeling.

Nina Marie Daniele: Career

Transition to UFC Influencer

Nina Marie Daniele’s career took a fascinating turn when she became involved with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).²

Known by her moniker “Nina Drama,” she quickly made a name for herself in the UFC community. Her transition from modeling to becoming a UFC influencer was seamless, thanks in part to her dynamic personality and deep interest in mixed martial arts.

Her involvement with UFC began when she started attending events and creating content around them. Her unique perspective and engaging content caught the eye of Dana White, the president of UFC.

Recognizing her potential, White supported Nina in her efforts to become a prominent figure in UFC media. This endorsement significantly boosted her credibility and influence within the MMA community.

Establishing Herself in UFC Media

Nina’s rise in the UFC world was marked by her ability to connect with both fighters and fans. She became a regular presence at UFC events, providing commentary, conducting interviews, and sharing behind-the-scenes content.

Her interviews with top UFC fighters, including featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, have been particularly well-received.

These interviews showcased her ability to ask insightful questions and engage fighters in meaningful conversations, further cementing her reputation as a knowledgeable and passionate UFC influencer.

Her approach to covering UFC events was unique. Nina combined her skills in creative writing and storytelling with her love for MMA, creating content that was both informative and entertaining. This blend of creativity and passion resonated with a wide audience, helping her build a loyal following.

Challenges and Triumphs

Like any career, Nina Marie Daniele’s journey has not been without challenges. Transitioning from a modeling career to becoming a respected UFC influencer required a significant amount of effort and resilience.

The world of MMA is highly competitive, and establishing oneself as a credible voice in this field is no small feat.

Nina faced skepticism from some quarters, particularly from those who were unfamiliar with her background and skills. However, she overcame these challenges through sheer determination and a commitment to excellence.

Her knowledge of MMA, combined with her engaging content and professional approach, gradually won over critics and earned her the respect of both fans and fighters.

Her ability to adapt and innovate has also been crucial to her success. Nina continuously evolves her content to keep it fresh and relevant, ensuring that she remains a prominent figure in the ever-changing world of social media and MMA.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Beyond her professional achievements, Nina Marie Daniele is also committed to giving back to the community. She is involved in various philanthropic efforts and uses her platform to raise awareness about important issues.

Her advocacy work includes supporting mental health initiatives, promoting body positivity, and encouraging young people to pursue their passions.

Nina’s involvement in philanthropy is a testament to her character and values. She believes in using her influence for good and is dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. Her efforts in this area have been widely recognized and appreciated, further endearing her to her followers.

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Nina Marie Daniele’s Personal Life

Nina Daniele, a celebrated model and actress, is known for her striking looks and charismatic personality.³

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nina has an intriguing personal life that captures the interest of her fans.

Relationship Status

Nina Daniele is not single. She has been in a relationship with her boyfriend, Jhanelle Castillo, for several years.

The couple celebrated their seven-year anniversary in June 2017, indicating a long-term and stable relationship.

Jhanelle Castillo, also in the modeling industry, complements Nina’s lifestyle and professional commitments. Their relationship is a blend of personal affection and professional support, making them one of the admired couples in the industry.

Sports Enthusiast

Nina Daniele is a passionate fan of the UEFA Champions League. Her interest in soccer highlights her love for sports and competitive spirit.

She often shares her excitement for the games on her social media platforms, engaging with her followers about match outcomes and favorite players.

Nina Marie Daniele’s Social Media Empire

In addition to her success in UFC media, Nina Marie Daniele has also made a significant impact on social media.
As of this writing, she has around 1.6 million followers on her official Instagram account, where she shares a mix of personal moments, professional achievements, and MMA-related content.
Her bio, “MAKING MMA MEDIA GREAT AGAIN,” reflects her commitment to elevating the quality of MMA coverage and engaging with her audience in meaningful ways.
Nina’s influence extends beyond Instagram. Her YouTube channel, “Nina Drama,” has amassed approximately 483k subscribers. On this platform, she shares longer-form content, including interviews, event recaps, and behind-the-scenes footage.
Her ability to produce high-quality videos has earned her a dedicated viewership and further solidified her position as a leading UFC influencer.
Additionally, Nina has a strong presence on X (formerly known as Twitter), where she has a following of 94.6k. Her engagement on this platform includes live-tweeting during UFC events, sharing insights, and interacting with fans and fighters alike.
This multi-platform presence has allowed Nina to reach a diverse audience and maintain a constant connection with her followers.

Nina Marie Daniele: Western Drama Burger

Nina Marie Daniele started her own burger company named Western Drama Burger, which is available for both meat and vegan.

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A post shared by NINA DRAMA (@ninamariedaniele)

Latest Updates (2025)

Event Week Presence: Daniele continued posting around UFC 314–319, asking followers which interviews to release first and dropping fighter chats leading into cards.
Collabs With Champions: Fresh clips with Alex Pereira (plus playful “CHAMA” dance/prank videos) have circulated widely in August 2025.
Public “Personality of the Year” Voting: Daniele asked fans to vote for her for MMA Personality of the Year in mid-August 2025.
Media Chatter & Criticism: MMA commentary creators have debated her style—e.g., MMA Guru critiqued her recent collabs (Aug 2025).
Wardrobe/Hype Moments: Around UFC 315, mainstream outlets covered her viral outfit try-ons and “training for a hypothetical debut” skits with Valentina Shevchenko, showing how she blends entertainment with event promotion. ⁴
Clarifying Relationships: Sean Strickland publicly addressed fan rumors, calling his rapport with Daniele “like a little sister,” amid their frequent on-camera bits (Feb 2025).⁵
“Drake-style Curse” Jokes: Tabloids joked about a “curse” after selected fighters suffered losses/injuries post-interview; Daniele leaned into the bit while continuing to attend fight weeks.⁶

FAQ’s

Q1: What is Nina-Marie Daniele best known for now?

A: Viral UFC/MMA interviews and skits as “Nina Drama,” plus her Western Drama Burger collab.

Q2: Did she really start in modeling?

A: Yes—her breakout came as Playboy Playmate of the Month (April 2017) before pivoting into MMA media.

Q3: Where can I watch her interviews?

A: The Nina Drama YouTube channel, with shorts and cross-posts on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X around UFC events.

Q4: What’s the Western Drama Burger?

A: A limited-time burger line (meat or vegan) promoted in partnership with IRV’s Burgers—frequently featured in her social promos.

Q5: Any recent news or controversies?

A: 2025 has included event-week skits (e.g., with Valentina Shevchenko), playful “curse” tabloid chatter, social voting campaigns, and critiques from some MMA commentators.⁷

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Nina-Marie Daniele: UFC Interview Star and “Western Drama Burger” Founder