Leon Edwards’ surprising question about ethnicity sparks controversy, Nina-Marie Daniele issues equally controversial response

UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards' interview with MMA personality Nina-Marie Daniele took an unexpected turn when a seemingly simple question about ethnicity ignited a firestorm of online reactions.

During their conversation, Edwards asked Daniele:

"What are you? Are you Arab?"

The 2018 Playboy Playmate of the Year clarified that she is American. Still, the inquiry and her subsequent revelation of her French-Italian heritage sparked a wave of humorous and critical comments on social media.

Fans weighed in with mixed reactions, some finding humor in the exchange:

"She do be lookin' middle eastern or somethin tho"

"When you're trying to hit on a girl, and you're telling yourself, just ask her something damn it, go on, do it! "

Others expressed frustration with Daniele's response:

"People giving 7 different nationalities as their 'background' is such bs. 'Oh I'm 2% Jamaican'."

Image via comments on @homeoffight's post

Amid the online banter, Daniele addressed the post herself, comparing Edwards' question to a previous interview with Tom Aspinall:

"Better than being asked if I’ve been fingered by an MMA fighter LOL 🤦🏻‍♀️😂."

Fans quickly joined the conversation:

"Nina and the London ufc fighters 😂😂😂 first Tom now Leon 😂😂😂😂"

"Better then asking her sexual questions and cornering her to answer! Thanks for being normal Leon lol"

Image via comments on @homeoffight's post

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Jon Jones hails Leon Edwards on recent victory, offers unexpected Christmas gift

Leon Edwards solidified his reign as the champion with a commanding victory over Colby Covington in the main event of UFC 296. The Birmingham native put on a clinical show, outstriking 'Chaos' en route to a dominant decision.

Following Edwards' impressive display, UFC heavyweight king Jon Jones took to social media to congratulate him:

"Leon Edwards, I couldn’t be more happy for you. As an American champion in this game, I salute you, that was truly a job well done. Let me know if I can gift you a motorcycle or something for Christmas. Feel like I owe you one"

Check out Jon Jones' post below:

Edwards' victory extends his current unbeaten streak to 13, solidifying his position as the undisputed welterweight king. He's successfully defended his title twice since dethroning Kamaru Usman at UFC 278.