Drake’s UFC Betting History
Drake is well-known for his extravagant bets on UFC fights, often sharing his wagers and outcomes with his massive social media following. His betting history is a mix of both massive wins and losses, with his support sometimes being seen as a predictor of an athlete’s misfortune, a phenomenon dubbed the “Drake Curse”. He has placed significant bets on fighters like Jorge Masvidal and Israel Adesanya, experiencing both the highs of winning millions and the lows of losing similar sums.
Drake’s UFC 287 Bets on Adesanya
UFC 287 was a triumphant return for both Israel Adesanya and Drake’s betting endeavors. After suffering a previous loss to Alex Pereira and losing a $2 million bet on Adesanya in the process, Drake was riding high on confidence for the rematch. He placed two separate bets on Adesanya, totaling $1 million, showcasing his unwavering belief in “The Last Stylebender”.
The first bet was a $500,000 wager on Adesanya to win the fight, which came with a significant payout potential. The second bet, also $500,000, was placed on Adesanya winning by knockout. This strategic betting approach proved incredibly lucrative for Drake, as Adesanya delivered a spectacular second-round knockout victory, silencing his doubters and breaking the supposed “Drake Curse”.
The victory resulted in a massive $2.7 million windfall for Drake٫ effectively erasing his previous losses and then some. This event became a significant moment in Drake’s UFC betting history٫ demonstrating his high-stakes approach and his willingness to back his chosen fighters with substantial sums of money. It also highlighted the potential for enormous returns when these high-risk bets come to fruition.
Drake’s UFC 293 Bets on Adesanya
UFC 293, however, told a different story. Despite Drake’s previous success backing Adesanya at UFC 287, the “Drake Curse” seemed to rear its head once again. Drake put down a hefty $500,000 bet on Adesanya to knock out Sean Strickland, aiming for a potential payout of $920,000. This time, fortune did not favor the rapper.
Adesanya, entering the fight as a considerable favorite, suffered a shocking upset loss to Strickland. The fight concluded in a dramatic fashion, with Strickland finishing Adesanya in the second round, leaving Drake with a significant financial blow. The loss served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of combat sports and the inherent risks associated with high-stakes betting.
This event marked another chapter in the ongoing narrative of Drake’s high-profile gambling endeavors, particularly within the UFC. While he has experienced extraordinary wins, UFC 293 highlighted the potential for substantial losses. This event contributed to the lore surrounding the “Drake Curse” and reinforced the notion that even with calculated bets on favored fighters, outcomes are never guaranteed in the world of combat sports.
Drake’s Other Notable UFC Bets
Beyond his high-stakes wagers on Israel Adesanya, Drake has established a pattern of placing substantial bets on other prominent UFC fights. One such instance involved a considerable bet on Jorge Masvidal to defeat Colby Covington at UFC 272 in March 2022. Drake wagered a hefty $275,000 on Masvidal, who entered the fight as the underdog. Unfortunately for the rapper, Covington emerged victorious via unanimous decision, resulting in a significant financial setback for Drake.
However, Drake’s UFC betting history is not without its triumphs; In a significant win, he successfully predicted the outcome of the UFC London event in July 2022. Placing a $1.9 million bet on a parlay for Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann to secure victories, Drake reaped a handsome $3;72 million reward when both fighters emerged triumphant. This win demonstrated the potential for massive payouts in UFC betting, particularly when leveraging parlays.
These instances exemplify Drake’s consistent presence in the world of UFC betting, highlighting both the risks and rewards associated with his high-stakes wagers. His ventures into this realm contribute to the narrative surrounding his public persona and fuel the ongoing debate regarding the validity of the “Drake Curse.”
The “Drake Curse” in Sports
The “Drake Curse” is a popular superstition suggesting that athletes or teams Drake publicly supports often experience subsequent misfortune or losses. This perceived curse has extended across various sports, from basketball and soccer to mixed martial arts. While a lighthearted concept, its frequent occurrences have sparked debates about its validity and impact on athletes’ performances.
Examples of the “Drake Curse” in Action
The “Drake Curse” has seemingly plagued a number of athletes and teams across various sports, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Drake’s public displays of support. Here are a few notable examples⁚
- Conor McGregor’s Loss at UFC 229⁚ Drake famously donned an Irish flag in support of Conor McGregor before his highly anticipated fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229; McGregor went on to lose the fight via submission in the fourth round.
- Alabama Football’s National Championship Defeat⁚ Drake posed for a picture with Alabama Crimson Tide players ahead of their National Championship game against Clemson in 2019. Alabama, considered the favorite, suffered a decisive defeat to Clemson.
- Serena Williams’ U.S. Open Loss⁚ Drake was in attendance at the 2015 U.S. Open to cheer on Serena Williams in her quest for a calendar Grand Slam. However, Williams suffered a shocking upset loss to Roberta Vinci in the semifinals.
- AS Roma’s Serie A Slump⁚ Following a meeting with Drake, Italian soccer club AS Roma jokingly banned its players from taking pictures with the rapper. This came after a string of losses that coincided with Drake’s visit.
While these examples have fueled the “Drake Curse” narrative, it’s important to note that they are purely coincidental. Attributing athletes’ losses solely to a celebrity’s support is a simplistic view that overlooks the complexities of professional sports. However, the widespread belief in the curse adds a humorous and engaging element to Drake’s involvement in the sporting world.