Alex Pereira looks to maintain his grip on the UFC’s light heavyweight division, while former champion Jamahal Hill wants to return to the top of the mountain. Pereira will defend the UFC light heavyweight title against Hill at UFC 300 at 10 p.m. ET Saturday.
One of the most famous music artists in the world getting in on the action as well. Drake placed a bet on the fight — but with his betting history, the five-time Grammy-winning rapper is known to be something of a jinx.
Who did Drake pick to win?
Pereira is a two-division champion in the UFC in just seven fights in the octagon. “Poatan” went from middleweight to light heavyweight with ease, beating Jiri Prochazka to win gold.
Hill is a former light heavyweight champion who had to relinquish the belt after suffering an Achilles injury. “Sweet Dreams” is the underdog in the fight, but is confident he can become a two-time champion. The Dana White’s Contender Series product is ready for war against a dangerous Pereira.
Hill will take any edge before and on fight night, including mind games. Hill smashed a stone head to the floor, representing Pereira and his stoic nature. The normally reserved Pereira didn’t take the gesture too kindly.
WATCH: UFC 300: Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill, exclusively on ESPN+
“Well, it’s a great opportunity to be fighting at UFC 300,” Pereira said via MMA Fighting. “It’s a huge opportunity. I’m very pumped for it. A few days ago, this guy said he respected me, even asked me to sign his shirt, and he did what he did yesterday. But he’s going to have his day tomorrow.”
The Sporting News looks into Drake’s upcoming bet for UFC 300, his history with sports betting, and whether the “Drake Curse” will come into play tonight.
MORE: UFC 300 expert picks and predictions
UFC 300 betting odds
Per Bet MGM, Pereira is the -140 favorite, while Jamahal Hill is the +115 underdog.
How much did Drake bet on UFC 300: Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill?
Drake is betting $675,000 on Pereira to beat Hill outright, he posted on Instagram. The estimated payout would be about $1,194,750.
"Betting on this until somebody sets up a cage match between me and Eddie."
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 or person he sides with usually loses.
MORE: How to bet on combat sports
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, but Williams loses in the semifinal.
- 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 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 heavyweight 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 Jake Paul to KO Tommy Fury, who wins via split decision.
- April 2023: Drake bet put down a $1 million Bitcoin stake on Gervonta Davis winning outright against Ryan Garcia. This one went in Drake's favor, as "Tank" beat Garcia via seventh-round knockout.
- August 2023: Drake bets $250,000 for Nate Diaz to beat Jake Paul outright. Paul beat Diaz via unanimous decision.
- September 2023: Drake placed a $500,000 bet for Israel Adesanya to successfully defend the UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 293 via knockout. Strickland dominates the fight and wins the belt via unanimous decision.
- October 2023: Drake put down $850,000 for Logan Paul to knock out Dillon Danis. He won this time, with Paul beat Danis via DQ.
- February 2024: Drake bet $1.15 million for the Kansas City Chiefs to beat the San Fransisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. He won again, as the Chiefs came out on top, 25-22.
- March 2024: Drake bet $615,000 on Francis Ngannou to beat Anthony Joshua in a boxing fight. "AJ" knocked Ngannou out cold in the second round.
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