Rapper Drake is known for placing big money on high-profile UFC fights but he lost out on almost $1million after Adesanya lost his middlweight title to Strickland
The award-winning rapper gained notoriety for his UFC bets last year but has gone on a mixed run of form with some big wins and losses. Drake’s latest bet was placed on Adesanya to knockout Strickland in the main event of UFC 293, but he lost out on a six-figure payout as Strickland produced a massive upset by winning a unanimous decision.
Strickland said after his win: “Is this my f****ng dream, I am going to wake up? Somebody hit me, oh my god you guys. Never in a million years did I think I would be here. I don’t cry much but I’m trying to keep my s*** together right now. I gave up so many brain cells to the MMA gods every day. The gold around my waist don’t mean s***. How you live your life means more.”
Drake still would have lost out if Adesanya had either tapped out Strickland or won on points as his bet was only placed on the former champion to win by knockout. The bet paid off for Drake earlier this year when Adesanya reclaimed the middleweight belt against Alex Pereira in April as the rapper won $2.7million.
Drake started putting down big money on UFC fights last March when he backed Jorge Masvidal to beat Colby Covington in their grudge fight last March, but the rapper lost $275,000 on the fight. His bad luck continued just a few months later when Justin Gaethje was choked out by Charles Oliveira in their lightweight title clash as the fight cost him another $400,000.
After a bad few months of betting, Drake broke his poor run of form by winning $1m when Adesanya defended his belt against Jared Cannonier. Drake’s six-figure bets continued to pay off when Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann won their respective fights UFC London, with their wins pocketing Drake a $3.6m payday. He even showed his appreciation for the Scouse duo by gifting them both new Rolex watches.
Since Drake only gambled on the former champion to win via knockout, he would still have lost if Adesanya had either tapped out Strickland or won on points. In April, when Adesanya defeated Alex Pereira to win the middleweight title, Drake’s wager paid off, earning him $2.7 million.
After his victory, Strickland exclaimed, “Is this my f****ing dream, or am I about to awaken? Oh my god, you guys, I got hit. I never in a million years imagined being in this situation. I don’t weep much, but right now I’m fighting to keep it together. I daily sacrificed so many brain cells to the MMA gods. The gold that hangs around my waist is meaningless. It matters more how you conduct your life.
