UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has been called out for his close friendship with social media influencer Nina Drama.
Tsarukyan is currently the No. 2-ranked contender in his division, behind interim champ Justin Gaethje, and undisputed champ Ilia Topuria. Unfortunately, a title shot has so far eluded him, but he’s keeping very busy while he waits for the opportunity.
Over the last year, Tsarukyan has been traveling the globe almost constantly, participating in a long list of wrestling and grappling matches. His latest appearance is set for tonight, when he wrestles WEC and UFC legend Urijah Faber at RAF 8.
On Friday, Tsarukyan and Faber joined several other UFC stars on stage for a pre-match press conference. Despite having very little to do with one another until now, they quickly began trading trash talk.
During one of their exchanges, Faber took a shot at Tsarukyan for his frequent collaborations with Nina Drama, who has become a fixture of the UFC and larger combat sports scene. He reminded the lightweight contender that the influencer is married.
Urijah Faber to Arman Tsarukyan:
“I think the woman you pay to hang out with you is married by the way.” 😬
(via @Home_of_Fight) pic.twitter.com/yCoyMxsrhP
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 17, 2026
“I think the woman you pay to hang out with you is married by the way,” Faber said.
Arman Tsarukyan and Nina Drama are frequent collaborators
There is, of course, no real evidence that Tsarukyan and Nina Drama are anything other than good friends and professional collaborators. Nina Drama, as Faber said, is married, and Tsarukyan is too. However, MMA fans tend to gossip like the meanest girls in high school, and rumors about the pair have been common.
RAF 08 goes down in Philadelphia. The card will also feature a clash between former UFC champs Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo. The pair met in the Octagon several years ago, with Dvalishvili winning a decision.
Tsarukyan last appeared in the UFC last fall, when he defeated Dan Hooker.
