Ariel Helwani Problems With Nina Drama (UFC Interviews)

Ariel Helwani, a respected MMA journalist, acknowledges the ascent of content creator Nina-Marie Daniele, also known as Nina Drama, in the realm of MMA content creation. However, amidst praising her success, he offers a noteworthy critique.

Helwani, a consistent recipient of the World MMA Awards MMA Journalist of the Year since 2010, remains vigilant regarding content creation within the sport. He mentors emerging media figures, drawing from his own experience as one of the sport's pioneering media personalities in the early 2000s.

Nina Drama has experienced a significant surge in popularity in recent times, engaging in activities such as interviewing UFC fighters, producing comedic skits, and amassing a substantial social media following.

While Helwani applauds Daniele's achievements, he suggests an area for improvement. During a recent segment of The MMA Hour, Helwani commended Nina Drama but suggested refinement in her approach. "I believe she's doing commendable work, and it's crucial to bring uniqueness to the table, to diverge from the norm," Helwani remarked. "When I was starting out, I aimed for the same... It appears she has established strong relationships with fighters and UFC officials, which is invaluable...

"One observation I would make is this: while injecting a fresh perspective, incorporating comedy, skits, or any novel angle is fantastic! It adds a breath of fresh air, sets her apart. However, why resort to disparaging other media outlets? Focus on your craft! Embrace your distinctiveness, deliver quality content. This narrative of 'Making MMA Media Great Again,' while admirable, seems misplaced considering your relatively recent presence in the industry. Imagine if I began my journey by criticizing established journalists like Josh Gross or Loretta Hunt... I'm not suggesting you need to praise us; be authentic. But I advocate for positivity, for honing your craft, without undermining others striving to excel." As of now, Daniele boasts 1.8 million Instagram followers, with her YouTube channel projected to reach 1 million subscribers by year-end 2024.

Despite Daniele's impactful contribution to MMA content creation, her confrontational stance has stirred controversy among some journalists. Last year, she engaged in a social media altercation with MMA journalist Helen Yee, garnering significant online attention. Helwani, recognized as a premier sports journalist, acknowledges Daniele's positive influence on content creation but urges a reconsideration of her approach, deeming certain aspects of her negativity unwarranted.

[cobracommander]

Nina works for the UFC she is Dana's lap dog. Nina is what Dana wanted Ariel to be.

[bottle_coke]

Nina would beat his ass. Dude is soft.

[xaozo]

what media is nina shitting on💀 ariel always jelly

[savagetv]

He’s just a hater dudes always been a clown. She doesn’t shit on anybody

[mihaeltomasovic]

He should be very jealous... Nina has a great relationship with the fighters and... let's be honest... Who would you rather look at if it is a long form interview - Ariel or Nina?

[OctavioBelafonte]

I can see all of Nina's simps have found one comment section to gather 😂 Ariel has a point

[lucassoliz]

Ariel has been around forever but has always been hypercritical

[coreymcmahon]

Lets remember this is the guy that asked mike tyson if he could beat bruce lee.

[BlackenedNL]

I would prefer Nina over Ariel every single day for the rest of time

[the.wayne.b]

heres the thing, all these mma people aren't journalists. ariel is....theres a huge difference, i do like ninas content....but he's right. he's the man in this industry.

[Subfightr]

You didn't provide any reasoning as to why he said what he said. It's not a fair question.

[pod]

Nina is more of a YouTube content creator than an actual journalist

[spacewalker]

the weasel is jealous.😂her interviews are more fun，fighters clearly enjoys her interview.

[paulkelly]

Ariel is 100% correct. He speaks evenly about everybody. Just do your work well . What is possibly wrong about that?

[YTDumpsterBaby]

The question should simply be "Would her name be coming out of his mouth if she wasn't far more popular than him!" He is jealous and angry that she is given all the access he wants. The man fucked up by breaking Dana's trust shit talking fights and trying to be controversial. It backfired. She's fun, She's harmless and she's full of charisma. He''s a jealous boy

[yasayrad]

The number of simps commenting is just incredible. Nina isn't even an MMA journalist she doesn't deliver MMA news and insight. She's a side show pushed by the UFC as entertainment. Can't be qualified as Media

[Supracalafragalistik]

I can't recall any negativity from Nina. I can only imagine a phrase has perhaps been taken out of context. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[OneDrive-pq]

Ariel has won mma journalist every year since 2010! That would not qualify as jealousy. Possibly he is proud of the platform he helped build for everyone and himself. Nothing wrong with what Nina does, just that no one person could cover the entire combat sports scene so its great to have all shapes and sizes on board and you get to choose your favourite messenger.

[proudgary]

I'd be jealous too if I were him. She is where she is cause she's hot. It's not fair. But that's the way of life.

[coryhurrle]

She’s not a journalist. So she isn’t in Ariel’s space. There’s room for both. Neither are my cup of tea, but I’m not hating on either one. As long as you have an audience that likes what you do, good on you!