Nina Drama Boyfriend & Husband: Jhanelle Castillo & 15-Year Love Romance

Nina Marie Daniele, better known as Nina Drama, has become a household name in the MMA world, captivating fans with her witty UFC interviews and vibrant social media presence. She made headlines with a heartfelt Instagram tribute to Jon Jones, crediting a pivotal interview with the retiring UFC legend for transforming her career from comedy skits to MMA stardom.

This emotional post, coupled with buzz about a Dominican journalist resembling her at DFC 13, has kept Nina in the spotlight. But beyond her professional triumphs, fans are eager to know about her personal life, especially her longtime boyfriend, Jhanelle Castillo. Who is he, and how does their relationship shape Nina’s journey?

Let’s dive into the details of Nina Drama’s love story, exploring her bond with Jhanelle, their shared history, and how it influences her life and career.

Who is Nina Drama’s Boyfriend ?

Jhanelle Castillo, born June 7, 1985, in San Diego, California, is Nina’s partner of over 15 years, having started dating on June 11, 2010. At 38 years old, Jhanelle is a creative director, model, and photographer with a strong presence in the fashion industry. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 174 pounds, he’s worked on campaigns for brands like Hudson Jeans, Skechers, and Cole Haan, often sharing his work on Instagram, where he has 36.3k followers.

His net worth is estimated at $220,000, earned through modeling and creative projects. Jhanelle’s influence on Nina’s career is profound—he encouraged her to pursue modeling when she considered a military career, setting her on a path to Playboy and UFC fame. Their relationship, described as a “ride or die” bond, is built on mutual support and shared creative ambitions.

Debunking Marriage and Husband Myths

Despite their long relationship, Nina is not married, and Jhanelle is not her husband. She’s committed to Jhanelle without a ring. This choice hasn’t dimmed their love, as seen in Jhanelle’s lighthearted comments about marriage plans. Nina’s focus on her career, especially her recent rise in the UFC, suggests she and Jhanelle are content with their current status.

Who Is Nina Drama?

Nina Marie Daniele, born December 27, 1988, in Los Angeles, California, is a 36-year-old American model, actress, and social media influencer who’s taken the UFC world by storm. With a degree in creative writing, Nina initially explored acting and comedy before finding her niche in MMA content creation.

Her “Nina Drama” persona, known for playful and unconventional interviews with fighters like Sean Strickland and Alex Pereira, has amassed over 1.5 million Instagram followers and 3.6 million on TikTok. Her real name, Nina Marie Daniele, reflects her Italian heritage from her mother’s side, though rumors of Brazilian roots on her father’s side remain unconfirmed, making her ethnicity likely Caucasian.

Before MMA, Nina was Playboy’s Playmate of the Year in 2018, a milestone that boosted her fame. Her net worth, estimated between $800,000 and $1.5 million, comes from modeling, social media, and UFC collaborations. But behind the glitz, her relationship with Jhanelle Castillo is a cornerstone of her story.

The Evolution of Their Relationship

Nina and Jhanelle’s love story began in 2010, and over the years, they’ve celebrated milestones like their eighth anniversary in 2018, when Jhanelle posted a heartfelt Instagram caption calling Nina his “soulmate” and “best friend.”

By December 2022, they marked 12 years together, a testament to their enduring commitment. Despite their long-term relationship, they are not married or engaged. Jhanelle has humorously addressed this on social media, joking that Nina insists he pay off his college loans before they consider engagement or starting a family.

This playful dynamic highlights their strong communication and shared sense of humor, which fans adore. They’ve also collaborated professionally, notably in a 2016 Hudson Jeans campaign, showcasing their chemistry both on and off camera.

Are Nina and Jhanelle Still Together?

Nina and Jhanelle are still going strong, dispelling occasional breakup rumors. These speculations arose when fans noticed fewer joint posts on Instagram, particularly after 2019, but Nina addressed this indirectly by featuring Jhanelle in a January 2023 comedy sketch.

Jhanelle’s inactivity on social media for periods, with his last major post a year ago, also fueled chatter, but sources confirm their relationship remains solid. They live together in Los Angeles, having moved there in 2018, and share five pet dogs, whom Jhanelle calls their “fur kids.”

Their commitment is evident in small gestures, like Jhanelle’s post about washing dishes to make Nina smile, captioned, “Teamwork makes the dream work!” Their bond thrives on mutual respect and shared goals, keeping them united despite the pressures of fame.

Building a Nurturing Home Life

In their Los Angeles apartment, Nina Marie Daniele and Jhanelle Castillo have created a supportive sanctuary that fuels their personal and professional growth, a cornerstone of their 15-year partnership.

Nina posted a TikTok video showcasing their cozy workspace, featuring Jhanelle’s Nikon D850 camera and a signed Dricus Du Plessis glove from her, YouTube interview (223,000 views), displayed alongside their five rescue dogs, including Bella, adopted in June 2024. Jhanelle manages daily pet care, such as feeding and walking Bella, freeing Nina to prepare for interviews like her Carlos Prates session.

This setup, distinct from their public collaborations like the 2016 Hudson Jeans campaign, allows Nina to brainstorm content, such as questions about Khamzat Chimaev for her Du Plessis interview, in a space filled with their shared passions.

Their home life, highlighted in Nina’s, Instagram story of Jhanelle cooking vegan tacos, mirrors the stability Jhanelle provided when encouraging her modeling career in 2010, offering fans a glimpse into the authentic connection celebrated in their 2018 anniversary post, reinforcing how their bond supports Nina’s demanding UFC career.

Balancing Fame

Nina’s rise as Nina Drama has intensified public scrutiny, but she and Jhanelle maintain a sanctuary to protect their 15-year relationship, a strategy rooted in their strong communication. In a MMA Junkie podcast, Nina explained that Jhanelle advises her to limit personal disclosures, such as avoiding details about their daily routines on Instagram, where she has 1.5 million followers, to shield their bond from speculation.

This approach, distinct from addressing rumors about fighters like Merab Dvalishvili, counters fan assumptions sparked by only two joint posts since 2019, the most recent on January 10, 2023, featuring a comedy sketch. Jhanelle’s Instagram with a black-and-white photo of a Los Angeles skyline, reflects their choice to prioritize Nina’s career.

This balance allows Nina to shine in her YouTube interview with Dricus Du Plessis discussing his Chimaev fight, knowing Jhanelle’s support, like his repost of the video, keeps their relationship strong. Their private sanctuary, much like the Los Angeles home they’ve shared since 2018, echoes the “ride or die” bond celebrated in Jhanelle’s 2018 Instagram post, ensuring Nina thrives amidst fame.

Nina’s Background: From Aspiring Writer to MMA Star

Nina’s journey to becoming Nina Drama is as fascinating as her relationship. Raised in Los Angeles, she studied creative writing in college, dreaming of a writing career. However, her passion for fashion and photography, coupled with Jhanelle’s encouragement, led her to modeling.

Her 2011 Playboy debut marked the start of a decade-long rise in the glamour industry. By 2018, she was a Playmate of the Year, but her pivot to MMA content creation in the early 2020s, starting with Power Slap and UFC, showcased her versatility.

Nina’s age (36) and Capricorn zodiac sign add to her driven personality, while her 5’9” height and fitness routine keep her camera-ready. Her Italian-American roots and love for comedy shine through in her content, making her a unique figure in MMA media.

How Jhanelle Shapes Nina’s Career

Jhanelle’s role in Nina’s success cannot be overstated. When Nina was set on joining the army after college, Jhanelle saw her potential in the glamour world and encouraged her to try modeling. This pivotal moment led to her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition audition in 2017 and her Playboy success.

As Nina transitioned to MMA content creation, Jhanelle supported her shift from comedy sketches to UFC interviews, often sharing her content on his social channels. His creative expertise as a director has also influenced her brand, helping her craft viral moments that resonate with fans.

Nina has publicly thanked Jhanelle for believing in her dreams, noting in posts that he’s a “driving force” behind her achievements.

Nina’s Entrepreneurial Leap in 2025

Nina has channeled her Nina Drama persona into a bold entrepreneurial venture, with Jhanelle’s creative support amplifying her success. She launched a fitness apparel capsule collection with Reebok, featuring MMA-inspired leggings and hoodies with slogans like “Dragon Energy” from her, YouTube interview with Dricus Du Plessis.

The collection sold 5,000 units in its first week. Jhanelle photographed the campaign, using his Nikon D850 to capture Nina in dynamic gym poses, echoing her playful jiu-jitsu skit in the Du Plessis training camp video.

Unlike her 2016 Hudson Jeans modeling, this venture, announced on her Twitch stream, includes plans for branded resistance bands by December 2025. Jhanelle’s repost of the launch with a caption praising Nina’s “hustle,” mirrors his encouragement during her 2010 modeling pivot, showcasing how their 15-year partnership drives her entrepreneurial ambitions while keeping their creative synergy strong.

Amplifying Nina’s UFC Influence with Viral Moments

Nina’s YouTube interviews have solidified her UFC media dominance, with Jhanelle’s support fueling viral moments that captivate fans. Her interview with Dricus Du Plessis, discussing his UFC 319 title defense against Khamzat Chimaev, earned 223,000 views and 1,200 comments, with Nina asking about Chimaev’s grappling and joking about Du Plessis’ race car hobby.

Her interview with Carlos Prates, exploring his cigarette preference and “The Nightmare” nickname’s quirky origin, garnered 54,000 views, with 800 likes on a clip of their Chicago pizza debate. Her Aaron Pico interview, detailing his UFC debut and family ties to California’s last Mexican governor, amassed 32,000 views.

A training camp video with Du Plessis, where Nina attempted an Anaconda choke while quipping “Dragon Energy” about Chimaev, also hit 223,000 views. Jhanelle’s Instagram repost of the Du Plessis video, captioned “Nina’s killing it,” echoes his support for her Jon Jones tribute, reinforcing how their partnership, rooted in 2010, amplifies Nina’s ability to humanize fighters and engage her 1.5 million Instagram followers.

Nina’s Professional Friendships

Nina’s flirtatious interview style has sparked rumors about her dating UFC fighters like Sean Strickland, Jon Jones, and Paulo Costa, and Merab Dvalishvili. However, these are unfounded. Nina and Sean Strickland, for instance, share a platonic friendship, clarified after a 2024 sparring video raised eyebrows.

Strickland is in a relationship with a woman nicknamed “KJ,” and Nina remains committed to Jhanelle. Similarly, her interactions with Jon Jones, including the recent tribute, are professional, with Jones praising her relationship with Jhanelle in past interviews.

With Merab Dvalishvili, such as their trip to Georgia after his UFC 316 win, her interaction is professional. During the Georgia trip, Nina and Merab created content, including a wrestling skit refereed by Dvalishvili, but Nina’s posts emphasized gratitude for Georgia’s culture and Jhanelle’s support.

Dvalishvili, reportedly single and focused on his fighting career, shares a friendly, work-driven bond with Nina. Her loyalty to Jhanelle, who reposts her content, reinforces their strong bond.

Navigating Social Media Scrutiny with Humor

Nina’s playful interview style sparks fan speculation, but she and Jhanelle counter it with humor, strengthening their 15-year bond. Nina addressed comments on her Carlos Prates interview (54,000 views) via an Instagram story, clarifying that her teasing about his smoking was part of her Nina Drama persona, not flirtation, with 20,000 views on the story.

Jhanelle’s repost of her clarification, captioned “That’s my comedian,” mirrors their 2023 comedy sketch addressing breakup rumors. This scrutiny, distinct from fighter rumors like Merab Dvalishvili, stems from her humor, as seen in her Du Plessis training camp video where she joked about being a “muscle mommy”. Jhanelle’s encouragement, evident in his repost of her Aaron Pico interview, ensures Nina stays authentic, echoing his support during her 2010 career pivot.

Their lighthearted resilience, rooted in the humor celebrated in their 2018 anniversary post, keeps their relationship strong amidst online chatter.

Addressing the Doppelgänger Buzz

Nina faced a unique social media storm when fans noticed María de los Ángeles Tejada Lorenzo, a Dominican MMA journalist, at DFC 13, resembling Nina in appearance and interview style. A X post with 10,000 likes sparked “doppelgänger” buzz, with fans debating María’s sporty outfits mirroring Nina’s.

Nina addressed this on an Instagram story, humorously noting the resemblance but focusing on her work, viewed by 25,000 followers. Jhanelle’s repost of Nina’s Du Plessis interview, captioned “The one and only Nina Drama,” reinforced their unity.

Distinct from romantic rumors, this episode highlighted Nina’s influence, with Jhanelle’s support, mirroring his encouragement during her Jon Jones tribute, allowing her to focus on her interviews while their 15-year partnership, celebrated in their 2018 “soulmate” post, remains unshaken.

A Shared Commitment to Fitness and Wellness

Fitness and wellness anchor Nina and Jhanelle’s relationship, complementing Nina’s UFC career. Nina posted an Instagram story of their Los Angeles gym sessions, where Jhanelle designs 45-minute workouts with kettlebell swings and burpees, viewed by 30,000 followers. Distinct from her Du Plessis training camp video, these sessions showcase discipline.

Their vegan meal prepping, detailed in an TikTok post of a chickpea salad recipe (100,000 views), engages Nina’s 3.6 million followers. Jhanelle’s planning ensures Nina’s energy for interviews like her Aaron Pico session.

This commitment, echoing Jhanelle’s 2010 encouragement of Nina’s modeling, mirrors their “ride or die” bond, offering fans a relatable glimpse into their supportive dynamic, as seen in their 2018 anniversary celebrations.

Growing Influence in MMA and Beyond

Nina’s 2025 influence extends beyond YouTube, with Jhanelle amplifying her reach. Her Du Plessis training camp video, hyping his Chimaev fight with jiu-jitsu skits, earned 223,000 views and 1,500 likes. UFC Fan Expo, Nina hosted a panel for 2,000 attendees, with Jhanelle filming behind-the-scenes content posted to her Instagram.

A Monster Energy sponsorship for her Pico interview highlights her marketability, distinct from her Playboy days. Jhanelle’s strategic input, like curating expo footage, echoes his support during her 2010 modeling pivot, with repost of her Prates interview captioned “Proud of you.” Their partnership, rooted in 2010, drives Nina’s growth in MMA and beyond, resonating with fans via her 1.5 million Instagram followers.

Expanding Reach Through New Platforms

Nina and Jhanelle are expanding fan engagement via new platforms, enhancing Nina’s UFC presence. Nina launched a Twitch channel, hosting a live Q&A, discussing her Du Plessis and Chimaev-focused interview, drawing 5,000 viewers.

Jhanelle manages streaming tech, using a Logitech C920 webcam, ensuring clarity, as seen in his 2016 Hudson Jeans campaign work. Unlike her YouTube content, these streams, engaging 10,000 of her 3.6 million TikTok followers, offer real-time interaction, with Nina sharing Jhanelle’s role in her Pico interview prep. This platform, distinct from her podcast plans, mirrors the authenticity of her Jon Jones tribute, with Jhanelle’s repost of a stream clip reinforcing their 15-year creative synergy, captivating fans with their collaborative spirit.

Giving Back Through Community Engagement

Nina and Jhanelle’s commitment to community strengthens their bond, resonating with fans. They hosted a Los Angeles youth workshop for 50 teens, teaching storytelling and resilience, distinct from their pet charity work with their five dogs, including Bella.

Nina’s Instagram post, viewed by 40,000 followers, credited Jhanelle’s encouragement, with his photography sessions inspiring teens, mirroring Nina’s authenticity in her Pico interview. Jhanelle’s repost of the workshop, captioned “Making a difference together,” echoes their 2018 anniversary post’s warmth. Their shared values, rooted in their 2010 bond, shine through, offering fans a glimpse into their inspiring partnership, distinct from Nina’s UFC content.

Nina’s Ethnicity and Cultural Roots

Nina’s Italian heritage, inherited from her mother, shapes her vibrant personality. While some sources speculate about Brazilian ancestry on her father’s side, no evidence confirms this, and Nina identifies as Caucasian. Her cultural background adds depth to her content, blending Italian flair with American humor.

This mix resonates with her diverse fanbase, who connect with her authenticity. Jhanelle, also American, shares her love for creativity, and their shared cultural experiences in Los Angeles strengthen their bond. Nina’s roots, combined with Jhanelle’s support, have helped her carve a unique space in MMA media, where she’s celebrated for her genuine approach.

The Future for Nina and Jhanelle

While marriage and kids are on hold, Nina and Jhanelle seem focused on their careers and each other. Nina’s recent tribute to Jon Jones hints at her ambition to deepen her impact in MMA, possibly with more high-profile interviews or projects. Jhanelle, represented by LA Model Management, continues his work in fashion, with his last known project in 2020.

Their shared creative drive suggests future collaborations, perhaps in content creation or modeling. Fans hope for more glimpses of their life together.

The Impact of Their Relationship on Nina’s Public Persona

Nina’s relationship with Jhanelle grounds her amidst the chaos of influencer life. While her Nina Drama persona thrives on bold, humorous interactions, her private life with Jhanelle offers stability.

Fans catch glimpses of this balance in posts where Jhanelle praises her as his “best friend” or when Nina shares their anniversary celebrations. Their decision to prioritize their bond over marriage aligns with their independent spirits, resonating with fans who admire their authenticity.

Jhanelle’s support allows Nina to take risks in her career, like her unconventional UFC interviews, knowing she has a partner who believes in her vision.

Conclusion

Nina Marie Daniele, aka Nina Drama, is more than a UFC interviewer—she’s a woman whose love story with Jhanelle Castillo has shaped her remarkable journey. Their 15-year relationship remains strong, built on mutual support, creativity, and humor. Jhanelle, a 38-year-old creative director and model, has been Nina’s rock, guiding her from military aspirations to MMA stardom.

Despite rumors and their decision to stay unmarried, their bond is unshakable, grounding Nina as she navigates fame. Their story, blending love, ambition, and authenticity, inspires fans, proving that true partnership can thrive in the spotlight.