UFC 297 - Sean Strickland versus Dricus Du Plessis
Bet: Sean Strickland to win
Odds : 1.97
Stake: $700,000
Result: Lose
After securing three consecutive wins, including a stunning triumph over Israel Adesanya to claim the middleweight championship just a few months prior, many spectators believed Strickland would maintain his streak and defend his title.
Drake was among those who believed in Strickland, sharing a screenshot of his enormous $700,000 bet with his followers . However, the match was incredibly close, resulting in Strickland losing via scorecards of 48-47, 48-47, and 47-48.
This loss would have been particularly painful for Drake, especially since he had previously bet on Strickland to be defeated by Adesanya, who was next on the curse’s list.
https://x.com/Ethan62631425/status/1748708544881295622
UFC 297 - Israel Adesanya versus Sean Strickland
Bet: Israel Adesanya by KO
Odds : 1.84
Stake: $500,000
Result: Lose
Regular gamblers can relate to the experience: you place a bet on someone to win, and they lose. Conversely, you back a loser and they end up winning. Yet, few promote their bets as overtly or publicly as Drake does.
In September 2023, he wagered a substantial half a million dollars on Strickland to be knocked out by the formidable Adesanya . Contrary to expectations, Strickland proved relentless, consistently applying pressure while leaving his Nigerian-born opponent without a suitable counter.
It’s hard to imagine Drake placing any further bets on fights featuring Strickland moving forward.
https://x.com/Jelloshot93/status/1700733136039010401
NBA - Philadelphia 76ers versus Toronto Raptors
Bet: N/A
Odds : N/A
Stake: Personal pride
Result: Lose
If you could harness the power of the Drake Curse, would you use it to help your favorite teams during critical games? The musician did just that when his beloved Raptors faced off against the 76ers in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
And it actually worked! Setting aside his pride, he donned a Phillies jersey and attended Game Six, leading to a Raptors victory.
The allure of the Drake Curse persisted, but the result was favorable for his team—an ultimate display of sacrifice on his part.
https://x.com/i/status/1127752595534163968
Boxing - Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury
Bet: Jake Paul to win by KO
Odds : 3.6
Stake: $1.2 million
Result: Lose
Following a tough defeat to his long-time rival Fury, Paul humorously directed his frustration at Drake. Although likely meant in jest, he is clearly aware of the reputation surrounding the Drake Curse.
During the post-fight press conference, he remarked, \"This is Drake's fault! Drake, man, why are you doing this to me?\" before adding that ultimately, the defeat was on him.
At one point, Drake’s anxiety must have heightened—the YouTuber-turned-fighter had Fury on the canvas during the eighth round. If he had managed to stay down, it would have resulted in a staggering payout of $4.56 million .
However, Fury rallied and clinched the victory via scorecards of 76-73, 76-73, and 74-75.
UFC 229 - Connor McGregor versus Khabib Nurmagomedov
Bet: N/A
Odds : N/A
Stake: Friendship with McGregor
Result: Lose
The anticipation for the McGregor vs Nurmagomedov bout was palpable, marked by intense animosity displayed by both fighters.
In an attempt to intimidate Nurmagomedov, McGregor brought Drake to the weigh-in, with the rapper sporting an Irish flag, delighting the Irish crowd in attendance.
After riling up the audience, McGregor kicked towards Nurmagomedov, but missed. The two fighters were subsequently separated by security personnel.
Sadly for McGregor, he was overwhelmingly defeated by Nurmagomedov, who decisively dominated the match and secured a rear-naked choke, finishing it well before the round ended.
The excitement didn’t cease with the fight—there was a brawl in the Octagon following Nurmagomedov's victory, with fighters from both camps clashing.
It’s safe to say that the Drake Curse was very much alive that memorable night.