When Jake Paul fights, people tune in. That's true even if several of his bouts have been one-sided affairs against former NBA players or MMA stars. Often, they want to see whether he loses.
The same will be true on Saturday when the YouTube personality faces former UFC fighter Nate Diaz inside the American Airlines Center in Texas. The fight, which airs on DAZN and ESPN+ PPV, has gotten the attention of those within both the MMA and music communities.
Indeed, one of the most famous music artists in the world, Drake, is (literally) banking on a Paul loss in the crossover bout. This isn't the first time Drake has bet on a Paul fight, though it's clear he has caught interest in the unique fight.
And since he's involved, it may not be a good omen considering his past history as a sports jinx.
MORE: Join DAZN to watch Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz
The Sporting News looks into Drake’s upcoming bet for Paul vs. Diaz, his history within the sports world and whether the “Drake Curse” will come into play tonight.
Betting odds for Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz
Per Bet MGM, Paul is the -400 favorite in the fight, while Diaz is the +333 underdog. The line for a draw is +1600. In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Paul is the -329 favorite, while Diaz is the +219 underdog. The line for a draw is +1500.
MORE: How to bet on combat sports
How much did Drake bet on Nate Diaz to beat Jake Paul?
According to his Instagram story, Drake put down a $250,000 Bitcoin stake for Diaz to beat Paul outright.
“Jake is a dog, but I can never bet against a Diaz brother. That’s just how I was raised,” Drake said in the post.
Drake has bet $250,000 on Nate Diaz to beat Jake Paul tonight: “Jake is a dog, but I can never bet against a Diaz brother.” pic.twitter.com/0BXQu3JRMK
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) August 5, 2023
Since Paul is the favorite in the fight, Drake's returning payout would be $1 million.
MORE: Sign up to watch Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz on ESPN+
What is the 'Drake Curse'?
Drake has bet on several sporting events over the years, and wears the jerseys of various teams and franchises. When he attempts to be a part of the action, the team/person he sides with usually loses.
Sharing his bets on social media has often resulted in groans or opportunities for trolling. Some of the effects of the Drake Curse” include:
- August-September 2015: The 'Drake Curse' begins after the rapper is seen kissing tennis superstar Serena Williams. He attends the U.S. Open to witness her quest for the Grand Slam before she collapses in epic fashion.
- October 2018: UFC star Connor McGregor brings Drake out before his match with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229. Nurmagomedov goes on to destroy McGregor in a one-sided beatdown.
- April 2019: Drake dons a Maples Leafs jersey in the playoffs, and Toronto promptly loses to the Bruins in seven games.
- June 2019: Drake bets for Anthony Joshua to beat Andy Ruiz Jr., a replacement opponent for Jarrell Miller. Ruiz beats Joshua in what is considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
- August 2022: Drake bets $200,000 on Kamaru Usman to beat Leon Edwards at UFC 278 for the UFC welterweight title. Edwards beats Usman following a dramatic comeback kick to the head.
- November 2022: Drake holds Team Canada jerseys alongside players. Team Canada becomes the first World Cup team since 1978 to attempt at least 20 shots and one penalty kick and not score a goal.
- February 2023: Draft bets $400,000 on Paul to KO Tyson Fury, who wins via split decision.
Sometimes, the “Drake Curse” can be broken. Drake bet a $1 million Bitcoin stake on Gervonta Davis to beat Ryan Garcia outright. "Tank" later topped Garcia via knockout in the seventh round.
