LAS VEGAS — Drake placed a $1 million bet on Conor McGregor to win UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. The rapper posted the wager on Instagram, declaring “The Mac Is Back.”
The bet, reported by Billboard and Bleacher Report, targets McGregor’s rematch with Max Holloway. Oddsmakers set McGregor as a slight underdog, making Drake’s payout potential roughly $1.8 million if the Irishman wins.
Is the ‘Drake Curse’ real?
Data compiled by KTLA examined athletes Drake publicly supported. The sample: 12 major sports events. Result: 9 losses for the backed athlete. That’s a 75% failure rate. The so-called “curse” has followed Drake for years, affecting boxers, basketball players, and soccer stars.
Drake, however, dismisses the pattern. “I just like to have fun,” he told KTLA. “If I lose a bet, I lose a bet.”
The stakes at T-Mobile Arena
UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena promises high drama. McGregor, 35, returns after a broken leg in 2021. Holloway, 32, enters as the fighter with momentum, having won three of his last four bouts. The venue, a 20,000-seat arena on the Las Vegas Strip, has hosted historic UFC events. This one pits superstition against skill.
Holloway could benefit. If the curse holds, he wins. If it breaks, McGregor reclaims glory. The underdog narrative may fuel Holloway’s motivation.
Fan reactions and betting frenzy
Social media exploded after Drake’s post. Betting lines shifted, with McGregor’s odds moving from +125 to +110 at some sportsbooks. T-Mobile Arena ticket sales surged, with secondary market prices rising 20% in 24 hours.
What Drake says
The rapper has addressed the curse directly. “I don’t believe in curses,” he said. “I believe in statistics.” His track record suggests otherwise, but Drake remains unapologetic. Whether McGregor wins or loses, the rapper’s bet guarantees headlines.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the Drake Curse?
- A: The ‘Drake Curse’ refers to a pattern where athletes publicly supported by rapper Drake often lose their subsequent matches. A data analysis of 12 major sports events showed a 75% failure rate for backed athletes.
- Q: How much did Drake bet on UFC 329?
- A: Drake placed a $1 million bet on Conor McGregor to win UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena, with a potential payout of roughly $1.8 million if McGregor wins.
- Q: Where is UFC 329 taking place?
- A: UFC 329 is being held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, a 20,000-seat venue on the Las Vegas Strip known for hosting historic UFC events.
Extended Reading
For further context on Drake’s betting history and the statistical analysis of the “curse,” refer to the KTLA article tracking his public wagers. Billboard and Bleacher Report provide additional details on the $1 million bet structure and the odds at the time of placement.