Drake is once again trending for reasons beyond music after his reported $1 million bet on Conor McGregor ended in disappointment, prompting fans to revive the internet's infamous "Drake Curse."
The Toronto superstar reportedly backed McGregor to defeat Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329, but the highly anticipated comeback took a dramatic turn just moments into the fight.
Conor McGregor Suffers Early TKO Loss at UFC 329
McGregor's return to the Octagon was cut short after he appeared to injure his knee while throwing his opening kick.
The former two-division UFC champion struggled to regain his footing, stumbling multiple times before the referee stepped in to stop the contest. Holloway was awarded a first-round TKO victory, ending the fight in shocking fashion and stunning fans around the world.
The abrupt finish immediately sparked reactions across social media.
Fans Blame the "Drake Curse" Once Again
As news of McGregor's loss spread, social media users wasted little time bringing back the long-running "Drake Curse" meme.
The internet joke suggests that athletes and teams publicly supported—or heavily bet on—by Drake often suffer unexpected defeats.
Although the theory has no factual basis, it has become one of sports culture's most enduring online memes, resurfacing after nearly every high-profile loss involving the rapper's wagers.
Drake's High-Profile Sports Bets Continue to Make Headlines
Drake has become well known for placing massive bets on major sporting events, with many of his betting slips attracting millions of views online.
Over the years, he has reportedly wagered significant amounts on championship boxing matches, UFC title fights, and major sporting events around the world.
McGregor's loss adds to a list of athletes Drake has previously backed, including Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland, Charles Oliveira, and heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, all of whom suffered notable defeats after receiving his public support.
Earlier this year, reports also indicated Drake lost a $200,000 bet after picking Jake Paul in another marquee fight.
The "Drake Curse" Remains an Internet Phenomenon
Despite the viral narrative, Drake has also celebrated several multimillion-dollar betting wins over the years, making his overall gambling record far more balanced than online jokes often suggest.
Still, McGregor's unexpected first-round defeat gave fans fresh ammunition to keep the "Drake Curse" conversation alive.