Nina-Marie Daniele says she wore a hijab for her interview with
Movsar
Evloev out of respect.
Evloev is scheduled to challenge Alexander
Volkanovski for the
Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title at
UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Daniele’s
decision to wear a hijab while interviewing the Muslim fighter drew
criticism online, prompting her response.
Nina-Marie Daniele explains why she wore a hijab for Movsar
Evloev interview ahead of UFC 333
During the interview, Evloev said his religious beliefs would
prevent him from looking at her if she were dressed less modestly.
Daniele defended her choice, explaining that she wanted to make him
comfortable. She also said participation in her interviews is
voluntary and that no one forced her to wear the hijab.
“At the end of the day it’s always about respect,” Daniele wrote on
X. “I have so much respect for all my Muslim friends. I love
learning about cultures and I’m so grateful for the UFC for giving
me the opportunity to travel the world. Some people are offended
and that’s fine, this came from a place of respect and wanting to
be able to make Movsar
Evloev comfortable in our interview. My interviews are not
‘mandatory’ and never were, the fighters that show up show up
because they want to and I was in no way shape or form ‘forced’ to
do anything. Thank you to Movsar and his team for giving me the
opportunity to show the fans a different side of him! I’m so happy
people are enjoying the interview!”
At the end of the day it’s always about
respect. I have so much respect for all my Muslim friends. I love
learning about cultures and I’m so grateful for the UFC for giving
me the opportunity to travel the world. Some people are offended
and that’s fine, this came from a place of respect and wanting to
be able to make Movsar
Evloev comfortable in our interview. My interviews are not
“mandatory” and never were, the fighters that show up show up
because they want to and I was in no way shape or form “forced” to
do anything. Thank you to Movsar and his team for giving me the
opportunity to show the fans a different side of him! I’m so happy
people are enjoying the interview!— Nina-Marie Daniele (@Ninadrama)
October 21, 2026