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As the showdown between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington looms large at UFC 296, there's more than just the welterweight title on the line - there's also a quarter-million-dollar bet from none other than chart-topping rapper Drake.
Known for his high-stakes wagers on UFC main events, Drake has once again taken a considerable gamble, this time placing $250,000 on Leon Edwards to secure a knockout victory over Covington in the much-anticipated headliner of Saturday's UFC pay-per-view spectacle in Las Vegas.
Should Drake's bet hit the mark, it would net him an eye-popping $1.2 million. His Instagram post accompanying the wager was explicit in its request:
"Headshot pls and thank you @leonedwardsmma."
Responding to Drake's backing, Edwards conveyed his readiness with a succinct "let's get it" in the comments section, affirming his determination to come out victorious in this high-stakes encounter.
This hefty bet follows Drake's recent loss of $500,000 after banking on Israel Adesanya to secure a knockout against Sean Strickland at UFC 293, only for Strickland to emerge triumphant via unanimous decision.
The animosity between Edwards and Covington has escalated, fueled by Covington's disparaging remarks about Edwards' father during Thursday's UFC 296 press conference, which prompted Edwards to retaliate by hurling a water bottle at his adversary.
Addressing the fervent fans after Friday's ceremonial weigh-ins, Edwards spared no words, asserting that Covington is "as good as dead" come fight night at UFC 296.
With Drake's substantial backing and Edwards' determination to settle the score inside the Octagon, the stakes are higher than ever for this much-anticipated clash, promising fireworks and intense drama as they vie for supremacy in the welterweight division.