Arman Tsarukyan isn’t just back in combat mode; he’s also having fun debunking conspiracy theories. After withdrawing from his UFC 311 title fight against Islam Makhachev due to a back injury, the lightweight contender became the focus of a strange rumor. A group of MMA fans blamed the injury on influencer Nina Marie Daniele, claiming a stretching exercise they performed together for a fight vlog as the main culprit. Tsarukyan consistently stated that the injury occurred during his final weight reduction, but that did not stop the internet from spreading its own version of the story. So, he has now taken matters into his own hands.

Responding in the most playful way possible, ‘Ninadrama’ shared an Instagram video of herself talking to someone before Tsarukyan walked toward her and humorously put her in a chokehold. As a part of their small act, the MMA presenter taps out while crying out, “I’m sorry, Arman, I didn’t mean to.” However, there was no convincing the Armenian professional mixed martial artist, as he responded with, “This is because of you I hurt my back, because of you.” Unable to contain themselves, the two burst out laughing before shaking hands, with NinaDrama telling him, “Tell them I didn’t hurt your back!” Tsarukyan, still amused, assures everyone, “Nah, you didn’t hurt my back. It was my fault.” Tsarukyan explained the same in an interview with Ariel Helwani not too soon after UFC 311.

This was all an act to simply take a jibe at MMA fans who took things way too far by sending death threats to the MMA presenter for allegedly hurting his back. An issue that was raised on social media by ‘Ninadrama’ as she shared, “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. My phone was blowing up all day. I didn’t even respond because it was so ridiculous but also everytime I go to defend myself (and prove yall wrong) it doesn’t even matter. MMA fans believe whatever fits their narrative best about me, they don’t want the truth. Happy @arielhelwani asked this question. Appreciate it!”

Despite Arman Tsarukyan‘s explanation on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, in which he described how dehydration during his weight cut most likely caused the injury, many fans refused to believe him and continued bullying Nina Marie Daniele on social media. But now, the 28-year-old and NinaDrama have made it obvious in their recent video that they will surely not let internet bullies have the last word. But now that he is out of the title picture, as Dana White revealed earlier, who will the Armenian fight next?

Arman Tsarukyan challenges Charles Oliveira to a rematch

After agreeing with UFC CEO Dana White that he will no longer be prioritized in the race for the next ‘title shot’ in the lightweight division, Arman Tsarukyan is already planning how to return to the top of the queue. Criticized by the fans, the fighter, with the aim of recovering his prestige and getting the opportunity for the division title, tried to set his sights on Charles Oliveira. On his official ‘X’ account, the Armenian fighter not only mocked the former UFC lightweight champion but also challenged him to a fight. It is worth noting that the duo already faced each other in 2024.

Back then, Tsarukyan beat ‘Do Bronx’ by a split decision and earned the right to compete for the title of the division. However, the 28-year-old wasted the opportunity to get revenge on the Russian and was replaced by Renato Moicano. Dana White was clear after UFC 311 about the future of the lightweight division, stating that Tsarukyan will have to retrace his steps to compete for the belt. In fact, the fighter accepted the CEO’s decision and immediately offered ‘The fighter from the favelas’ as a suitable opponent. Now, Arman reinforced his intention to face the Brazilian, posting images attacking him in the fight and questioning his bravery.

Taking to his Instagram account, he posted a picture from his fight with Charles Oliveira with the caption, “The number one contender has a name, and it’s Arman Tsarukyan. If anyone wants to be the number one contender, they need to fight me—I’m ready and open. Don’t be afraid to say my name. I promise I won’t hit too hard.” Now, it would be interesting to see if the Brazilian accepts the challenge and fans get the rematch they had been dying for. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.