Issue 212
December 2024
Nina Drama didn’t just steal the show - she ran away with it, doing a victory lap in heels while dodging Alex Pereira’s leg kicks and posting it all to the gram. No, she really didn’t do that, but if she was in control of the awards production, we imagine (and wish) she would. Crowned Personality of the Year, she brought her unique mix of humor, heart, and hustle to the glitzy MMA Awards in Las Vegas. Fighters Only caught up with her before and after the big night to get the scoop on her feelings about everything.
PRE-AWARDS JITTERS
Nina Drama owned her nerves with the same candid energy that made her famous, because what’s a little anxiety compared to asking the most dangerous people on the planet questions like whether they think pigeons are government spies?
“I’m nervous,” Nina confessed on the red carpet, shifting her weight slightly like a fighter stepping into the octagon. “I'm nervous. I got some stiff competition, man. I'm so nervous, but it's just an honor to even be nominated and considered for something like this, so it's cool. Like, I couldn't ask for a better spot. I'm really happy.”
Hailing from New York, Nina’s charm has always been in her candidness and relatability.
“I used to have a thick New York accent,” she admitted with a laugh. “But I took speech classes to tone it down—though I’m not sure what my accent is now. I also had a lisp. It’s gone now, but yeah, I’m from New York.”
OTHER SIDE OF THE MIC
If there’s one thing everyone loves about Nina, it’s her honesty and genuine personality. When asked how she makes her content go viral, she jokingly grabs a handful of her assets, laughs, and then begins.
“No, you know, I don't know,” she explains. “It's a lot of trial and error. It's a lot of seeing, you know, what the audience likes, what people like, what they can relate to. A lot of things that you think would work just don't, you know, and it's doing it over and over again and being open to saying, like, okay, what I worked so hard on, what I thought was going to do well, what I thought people were going to like, just fell so flat, and sometimes a video you have, you're like, 'Why? Why this one? Of all videos, you know. It gets so meticulous after a while - watching trends, analyzing performance - it can get boring. But it’s the real, organic moments that people gravitate towards the most.”
THE BIG HITTERS
Nina clearly has a knack for generating content that people adore, but she also has her favorites.
“I think something that I started that I really liked, was I started doing this training box with fighters,” she smiled. “They kick the shit out of me. Yeah, they don't go easy. Especially, I don't know if you can see them in the background,” she says as she looks over at Alex Pereira, who is filming an interview behind her. “I still have to do it. I have PTSD from all the times it's kicked me in my leg. But those, I think, those are the ones I'm most proud of because I actually learn a lot. And it's, man, it's an honor to just even be able to learn from the greatest fighters in the world and to share that time with them. So I think that's probably the most I'm proud of, yeah.”
FINDING HER PLACE
For years, Nina Drama felt like she was fighting outside her weight class, so winning the award meant a lot to her.
“I'm definitely never going to beat the industry plant allegations now, so thank you,” she smiled while winning the award. You know, I never had a real place in this world. I was always told I was too different or too weird, too outspoken or unhinged. I was the black sheep my whole life, and I didn't really have a place to call home. And I didn't have a community or people that I felt like ever really accepted me. So, for the person who believed in me when no one else did, Dana White gave me a home with the UFC. And the UFC is my family, so thank you, Dana White. But most importantly, this is for all of my supporters. So, thank you so much for voting for me and putting up with my incessant and shameless self-promotion every day for months to win this award. I went through a lot of sports bras for this, so thank you.”
Is she the person who loves her job the most? We’d have to say yes, and it’s something that shows every time she’s in front of a camera. And as someone who probably knows fighters better than anyone, she stood on the fence when pressed to pick favorites.
“Man, I’m supporting everybody,” she said. “Personality of the year, right? Everybody. I mean, I'm just happy to be here. I think it's Fighter of the Year. I'm excited for that. I'm presenting International Fighter of the Year. I don't know who it is. They wouldn't tell me, probably because I have a big mouth. So, I think that's who I'm looking forward to. I want to know who that is. Amazing!”
POST-AWARD GLORY
When Nina’s name was announced as Personality of the Year, her appreciation was evident.
“I’m shaking,” she said backstage. “This is such a cool experience.” Reflecting on her rapid rise, she credited the fans. “They’re so crazy, and I wouldn’t want them any other way. The community is unique and full of so many different personalities. I’m just grateful to be part of the conversation. This whole ride has been a huge blessing.”
And you can forget about the Vegas nightlife; Nina’s celebration plans were as quirky as she is.
“There’s this book I’m reading,” she said when asked about what her post-awards win would look like. “I’m going to finish my book. And I have some cookie dough in my fridge that I’ve been saving for it. That’s pretty much it. I’m boring, I’m square. My dogs are at home. We’re just going to chill. It’s been a wild ride.”
As probably the least boring human working in MMA, her win is a testament to her genuine connection with fans and her ability to find humor and heart in every situation. Whether taking kicks from world champions or crafting viral reels, Nina embodies the spirit of MMA—unapologetic, resilient, and full of personality.
