In a surprising move ahead of UFC 317, the rapper and avid sports bettor Drake has placed a $200,000 wager on Charles Oliveira to defeat Ilia Topuria in their highly anticipated lightweight title bout. Despite Topuria being the overwhelming favorite, Drake’s bet signals his confidence in Oliveira causing a major upset at this event scheduled soon.
Drake’s Bold Stake on Oliveira Against the Odds
Drake, known for publicly sharing his sports bets, often captivates fans with his high-stakes choices in combat sports, especially MMA and boxing. With UFC 317 drawing near, featuring the vacant undisputed UFC lightweight title fight between the unbeaten Spaniard Ilia Topuria and the seasoned Brazilian Charles Oliveira, Drake’s wager attracted immediate attention.
Although Topuria has been favored by most bookmakers and fans due to his recent winning streak, Drake has placed a substantial bet of $200,000 backing ‘Do Bronx’ to claim victory. Oliveira, who aims to become a two-time lightweight champion, is considered the underdog here, yet his experience in high-profile fights and elite skill level make him a dangerous opponent capable of overturning expectations.
The decision reflects Drake’s view of a possible major payout should Oliveira secure an upset, especially since Topuria has yet to suffer a professional loss. Fans recognize the challenge this fight presents, given both fighters‘ impressive records and styles.
The Widespread Belief in the ‘Drake Curse’
Despite Drake’s enthusiasm for combat sports betting, many fans harbour a superstition surrounding his picks, dubbing it the ‘Drake Curse.’ This notion suggests that any fighter or team Drake publicly supports is likely to lose, a belief fueled by his history of unsuccessful bets despite backing favorites.
Drake’s sports betting track record includes notable losses such as over $1.5 million lost after backing Israel Adesanya to beat Alex Pereira in their first MMA bout and also mistakenly betting on Tyson Fury to defeat Oleksandr Usyk in their initial heavyweight fight. These high-profile misses have made fans cautious whenever he bets large sums, especially in marquee fights like UFC 317.
Evaluating the Stakes for UFC 317’s Lightweight Title Clash
The main event at UFC 317 stands as a compelling matchup between an undefeated young prospect and a veteran who has earned respect through numerous high-stakes bouts. Ilia Topuria’s recent string of victories has earned him significant favor in betting circles, while Oliveira’s resilience and past championship success force many to consider the fight’s unpredictability.
Drake’s bet on Oliveira, despite the opponent’s favored status, intensifies the intrigue around UFC 317. If Oliveira manages to claim the title, it will not only mark a career-defining comeback for the Brazilian but also possibly reinforce Drake’s surprising influence on fight outcomes, whether by design or coincidence.
What Lies Ahead After UFC 317
As the fight draws nearer, anticipation grows among MMA fans and bettors alike to see if Drake’s $200,000 stake will pay off. The impact of this bout extends beyond the octagon, highlighting the fusion of celebrity influence and sports betting culture. Regardless of the outcome, the event will likely fuel debates about the so-called ‘Drake Curse’ and its place in combat sports lore.
With UFC president Dana White maintaining tight oversight of the event and fighters, the stakes remain high for Topuria and Oliveira alike as they prepare for what could be a defining moment in their careers.