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The infamous “Drake Curse” is back in the spotlight, casting a shadow over UFC 314’s highly anticipated featherweight title clash. The Canadian rapper, notorious for his uncanny ability to jinx athletes with his high-stakes wagers, has placed a jaw-dropping $545,000 bet on Alex Volkanovski to reclaim his 145−pound crown against Diego Lopes this Saturday in Miami.
While Drake’s gamble could pocket him over 1 million if “The Great” triumphs, fans are bracing for disaster, given the rapper’s track record of cursed predictions.
Drake’s ominous bet on Alex Volkanovski
Fresh off his first UFC wager of 2025, Drake’s support for Volkanovski has sparked panic among MMA enthusiasts. The curse—a viral phenomenon where athletes backed by Drake crumble under pressure—has haunted stars like Jorge Masvidal, Leon Edwards, and even UFC legend Conor McGregor. Despite a rare win when Israel Adesanya defied the hex in 2022, fans flooded social media with doom-laden takes:
“RIP Volk’s title hopes. Drake just signed his L.”
“Bro’s cursed bets are worse than a pre-fight haircut.”
“Volkanovski, we’ll miss you. Thanks, Drake.”
Alex Volkanovski, already reeling from back-to-back losses, now faces mental warfare beyond Diego Lopes’ fists. The Australian champion shrugged off superstitions during media day, quipping, “Curses don’t throw jabs. I do.” But with Drake’s track record (and bankroll) looming, even the staunchest skeptics are uneasy.
Why the curse haunts UFC
The “Drake Curse” isn’t just meme fodder—it’s a psychological wildcard. Fighters burdened by the rapper’s endorsement often wilt under amplified scrutiny. When Drake bet 500K on McGregor to beat Dustin Poirier in 2021, the Irishman suffered a leg−break TKO. Similarly, his 275K wager on Edwards in 2023 preceded a lackluster title defense loss.
Alex Volkanovski’s camp remains defiant. Coach Eugene Bareman told ESPN:
“Alex thrives under chaos. Drake’s noise is just background static.”
Yet, Diego Lopes—a relentless underdog—is suddenly the people’s pick, with betting odds tightening post-announcement.
UFC 314’s Stakes: Beyond the curse
The featherweight headliner isn’t the only drama. The co-main event pits Michael Chandler against Paddy Pimblett, with Conor McGregor teasing a showdown against the winner. Meanwhile, UFC newcomer Patricio Pitbull faces Yair Rodriguez in a clash of styles that’s already stolen fight week buzz.
But all eyes linger on Drake’s gamble. UFC CEO Dana White, ever the showman, leaned into the hype: “Superstitions sell. But Volkanovski’s a killer—curses don’t stand a chance.”
Will history repeat—or is the curse dead?
Alex Volkanovski’s fate hinges on more than mysticism. At 35, his speed and fight IQ remain elite, but Diego Lopes’ grappling prowess poses a real threat. A loss here could spell retirement, while a win resurrects his title legacy.
As for Drake? He’s already won. Win or lose, his bet keeps him trending—and the UFC cashing in on free publicity. But for Volkanovski, Saturday isn’t just about gold; it’s about slaying ghosts.
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