Nina Drama denies being ‘forced’ to wear hijab for Movsar Evloev interview

Nina-Marie Daniele says she was wearing a hijab during her interview
Movsar Evloev out of respect.

Evloev intends to challenge Alexander Volkanovsky for
Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title at
UFC 333 On October 24 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Daniele’s decision to wear a hijab while interviewing a Muslim fighter drew criticism online, prompting her to respond.

Nina-Marie Daniele explains why she wore a hijab in an interview with Movsar Evloev ahead of UFC 333

During the interview, Evloev said that his religious beliefs prevent him from looking at her if she were less modestly dressed. Daniele defended his choice, explaining that he wanted to make her comfortable. She also said that her participation in the interviews was voluntary and no one forced her to wear the hijab.

“In the end, it’s always about respect,” Daniele wrote in X. “I have so much respect for all my Muslim friends. I love learning about cultures and I’m so grateful that the UFC gave me the opportunity to travel the world. Some people are offended and that’s fine, it came out of respect and wanting to Movsar Evloev comfortable in our interview. My interviews are not “mandatory” and never have been, the fighters who show up show up because they want to and I was in no way shape or form “forced” to do anything. Thanks to Movsar and his team for giving me the opportunity to show fans another side of him! I’m so glad people are enjoying the interview!”