Created by Bailey our AI-Agent
In what can only be described as a high-stakes misstep, the Canadian music icon Drake faces a substantial financial loss following a gamble on the UFC 297 middleweight title fight. Drake, who has frequently made headlines for his sports wagers, had placed a sizable $700,000 (approximately R13 million) bet against South Africa’s own Dricus du Plessis. His opponent, American fighter Sean Strickland, was expected to triumph in the clash, at least according to Drake's bet.
The showdown took place on Saturday night at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, a location perhaps chosen by fate given the circumstances. The artist's confident wager was visibly displayed on an Instagram story to his impressive follower count—a whopping 145 million fans. Had Strickland secured victory as Drake predicted, the artist would have pocketed $679,000 (around R12.6 million) on top of regaining his initial bet.
However, as the fight concluded, it was du Plessis who emerged victorious, dashing Drake's hopes for a betting win. In an ironic twist, du Plessis, a proud Pretoria native, made his triumphant exit to the strains of Drake's own 2018 hit, "God's Plan." The song choice vibrated through the arena as the South African fighter held the belt aloft—much to the jubilation of MMA fans worldwide but likely adding salt to Drake's financial wound. The clip quickly spread across social media platforms, showcasing du Plessis’s unexpected win and Drake’s substantial loss, as reported by user AFeldmanMMA and others.
Dricus du Plessis's victory was not only a significant personal achievement but also a lucrative one, earning him a prize purse of $1 million (about R20 million). This triumph not only enhances his reputation in the UFC middleweight division but also places the rising star firmly in the global spotlight.
While this event marked a setback for Drake in the realm of sports betting, his passionate engagement with the sport and willingness to stake high bets continues to capture public attention. For du Plessis, the victory cements his position as a major force in MMA and as a source of national pride for South Africa, proving once again that the underdog can defy the odds.