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Hip-hop sensation Drake is rolling the dice once again, placing a jaw-dropping $700,000 wager on middleweight champion Sean Strickland to emerge victorious in the main event against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297. Less than six months after his unsuccessful bet on Israel Adesanya against Strickland, Drake is doubling down on the current titleholder, and this time, it's an all-or-nothing gamble.
Unlike his previous prediction of a knockout, Drake is simply banking on Strickland to secure the win. The 37-year-old artist stands to claim a staggering $1.379 million if Strickland successfully defends his middleweight belt. With the odds slightly favoring Strickland, Drake's bet adds an extra layer of excitement to the highly anticipated matchup.
In a bold move, Drake announced his sizable wager on Instagram while revealing plans to attend UFC 297, which coincidentally takes place in his hometown of Toronto. Known for his fervent support of UFC events, Drake has become a familiar face at ringside, adding a celebrity flair to the already thrilling atmosphere.
However, Drake's betting history has earned him a reputation as a bit of a "curse." Fighters and sports teams backed by the rapper, including Adesanya, Conor McGregor, Jorge Masvidal, and Justin Gaethje, have often found themselves on the losing end. As Strickland readies himself for battle, he might want to avoid any superstitions, given the added pressure of Drake's considerable wager.
With the stakes high and Drake in attendance, UFC 297 promises to be an unforgettable night where the octagon meets the world of entertainment, creating a unique blend of sports and star power that only the UFC can deliver.