High stakes: “make-or-break” The man’s curse! “Drake Publicly Names His Two Favorite UFC Fighters, Only to Suffer Massive Financial Losses Worth Millions After Betting Big on Their High-Profile Fights”…
Drake, the Grammy-winning artist known for his massive success in the music industry, has long been a passionate follower of sports, particularly the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
His admiration for the sport’s elite athletes is widely recognized, and he frequently engages with it through high-stakes betting. However, this enthusiasm has often led to significant financial losses, especially when betting on two of his favorite UFC fighters: Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz.
Despite their legendary status in mixed martial arts, both fighters have cost Drake large sums of money, perpetuating the so-called “Drake Curse.”
Drake’s Love for UFC and His Favorite Fighters
Drake’s affinity for UFC began years ago, as he was drawn to the sport’s intensity and the personalities of its top fighters. In a candid livestream during the 2024 holiday season, Drake revealed his two favorite UFC stars: Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz.
While he praised McGregor for his charisma and iconic fights, he ultimately named Nate Diaz as his all-time favorite, citing Diaz’s authenticity, grit, and never-say-die attitude.
Diaz, known for his underdog spirit and epic battles in the Octagon, has been a key figure in UFC history. His two legendary bouts with McGregor in 2016 are among the sport’s most memorable events.
Despite their rivalry, Drake holds both fighters in high regard for their contributions to MMA and their larger-than-life personas.
The “Drake Curse” in Sports
Drake’s passion for sports betting has inadvertently birthed a phenomenon fans call the “Drake Curse.” According to this belief, athletes and teams he publicly supports or bets on tend to lose.
This reputation has plagued his wagering history across multiple sports, including basketball, football, boxing, and the UFC. While it’s largely a playful superstition, Drake’s consistent losses have added a layer of intrigue to his betting habits.
Financial Losses Betting on Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor, the former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, has been one of the most polarizing figures in combat sports. Known for his brash trash talk and devastating striking ability, McGregor has amassed a loyal fanbase, including Drake. However, Drake’s unwavering support has come at a cost.
One of the most notable instances of Drake losing money on McGregor came during the Irishman’s highly anticipated 2021 bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257.
McGregorentered the fight as the favorite, but Poirier shocked the world by defeating him via TKO in the second round. Reports suggest that Drake had placed a hefty bet on McGregor to win, resulting in a significant financial setback.
Drake’s losses didn’t stop there. In McGregor’s trilogy fight against Poirier at UFC 264 later that same year, McGregor suffered a gruesome leg injury, leading to another defeat. While the exact amount Drake bet on this fight is unknown, it’s widely believed that he was once again left counting his losses.
Betting on Nate Diaz’s Grit
While Nate Diaz’s reputation as one of the toughest fighters in UFC history is undisputed, his unpredictable performances in the Octagon have made him a risky choice for bettors.
Drake’s admiration for Diaz’s fighting spirit has occasionally translated into significant wagers on the Stockton native.
One instance occurred during Diaz’s return to the UFC in 2019 against Jorge Masvidal for the BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title. Drake reportedly backed Diaz to win, but Masvidal dominated the fight, leading to a TKO victory due to a doctor’s stoppage. This loss was a blow to Drake’s wallet and added fuel to the “Drake Curse” narrative.
In August 2024, Diaz faced Jake Paul in a crossover boxing match, which marked his foray into a new sport. Drake, ever the loyal fan, placed a substantial bet on Diaz to defeat Paul.
However, Diaz’s inexperience in professional boxing showed, and Paul secured a clear victory. This added to the mounting evidence of Drake’s struggles when betting on his favorite fighters.
The Drake Curse Extends Beyond UFC
Drake’s betting misfortunes are not confined to the Octagon. He has also lost substantial amounts of money in other sports.
For example, he placed a $615,000 bet on Francis Ngannou to defeat Anthony Joshua in a boxing match earlier in 2024, only to see Ngannou lose. In addition, his high-profile bets on NBA games and NFL matches have often ended in disappointment.
Why Drake Keeps Betting Despite Losses
Despite his poor track record, Drake’s love for betting seems unshaken. This can be attributed to several factors:
1. Entertainment Value: Betting adds an extra layer of excitement to the sports he loves, making the experience more engaging.
2. Wealth Buffer: As one of the highest-earning musicians in the world, Drake can afford to lose large sums of money without it significantly affecting his financial stability.
3. Loyalty to Fighters: Drake’s bets often stem from genuine admiration for the athletes, reflecting his loyalty rather than strategic decision-making.
Drake’s admiration for Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz underscores his deep connection to the UFC, but his bets on their performances have contributed to the legend of the “Drake Curse.”
While his financial losses might deter most from continuing to wager, Drake’s enthusiasm for the sport and its stars keeps him coming back. His high-stakes bets, regardless of their outcome, reflect his unique relationship with the UFC and its fighters, even if it means enduring significant losses along the way.
