Arman Tsarukyan’s withdrawal from his highly anticipated UFC 311 clash against Islam Makhachev left fans disappointed, as it robbed them of one of the most exciting matchups in the UFC’s deepest division. Surprisingly, many pointed fingers at popular MMA YouTuber Nina Drama. Why? Just days before UFC 311, ‘Ahalkalakets’ appeared in a video with her, performing intense neck bridge roll warmups. Fans speculated that these strenuous exercises may have contributed to the back issues that ultimately forced him to pull out of the fight against the Dagestani top dog.

In fact, Nina Drama (whose real name is Nina Marie Daniele), had claimed that some fans had sent her death threats since they thought she was responsible for Tsarukyan pulling out. “I had a couple death threats from mma fans after the news broke out that Arman Tsarukyan was injured. Fans accusing me saying that he was injured during the filming of our fight vlog… MMA fans believe whatever fits their narrative best about me, they don’t want the truth,” the YouTuber revealed on social media.

And Tsarukyan, seeing the furore, took matters into his hands to clear up her name. When a clip of this video was shared by ‘MMA Pro Picks’ on Instagram, Danielle pointed out in the comments that “Arman said I’m innocent 😂”.

And indeed the Armenian 155fer in the skit playfully walks up to Daniele and jokingly puts her in a chokehold. “I’m sorry, Arman, I didn’t mean to,” a struggling Danielle pleads, to which the lightweight responds sternly with “This is because of you I hurt my back, because of you.” 

Of course, all of this was done in jest as the duo burst out in laughter and shook hands after this. “Nah, you didn’t hurt my back. It was my fault,” Tsarukyan assured the YouTuber. And while ‘Ahalkalakets’ may have cleared Nina Drama of any responsibility for his UFC 311 pull-out, he now has to bear the consequences of it.

Arman Tsarukyan is reportedly in negotiations for his next outing

At UFC 311, Arman Tsarukyan was on the cusp of getting what he worked for all his life- a title shot. But since he was forced to pull out because of a back injury, Dana White had made it clear that ‘Ahalkalakets’ will not be getting a title shot next. “He’s [Tsaruyan is] not getting the title shot, that means he’s going to have to fight his way back to the title,” the UFC head honcho told reporters after UFC 311.

So what is next for Tsarukyan? Well, there are reports that he is in talks to fight the man he has often criticized. The #7 ranked lightweight Michael Chandler. “I’m told UFC No. 1 lightweight Arman Tsarukyan and Michael Chandler (No. 7) are in negotiations for a fight at UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami,” combat sports journalist Manouk Akopyan wrote in an X post earlier this month.

Tsarukyan and Chandler, of course, have a very real and ongoing beef. ‘Ahalkalakets’ memorably once said ‘Iron’ had the “dumbest fight IQ in the game.” And Chandler, who had been looking for an opportunity to get back at the Armenian, didn’t hesitate in rubbing salt on Tsarukyan’s wounds after the UFC 311 fiasco. “You don’t show up, you don’t get a shot. Beat me, if you can, @ArmanUfc,” the American wrote on X.

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And it seems Chandler is finally getting his wish. What do you think about Arman Tsarukyan declaring Nina Drama innocent of causing his back injury?