The lead-up to UFC 297’s main event, featuring middleweight champion Sean Strickland against South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis, was marked by intense anticipation and a surprising twist that left fans and social media buzzing. Canadian rapper Drake made headlines with a staggering $700,000 bet on Strickland to retain his title, only to witness Du Plessis emerge victorious and claim the UFC middleweight championship.
In a twist of fate, as Du Plessis celebrated his historic win and exited the ring, the ironic sound of Drake’s hit song, ‘God’s Plan,’ echoed through the venue, creating a memorable moment that added to the unexpected turn of events.
Drake’s penchant for sports betting was evident as he shared the substantial wager on his Instagram Stories before the match, revealing a pattern of high-stakes bets. This loss follows Drake’s previous setbacks in the world of sports betting, including a significant loss when he backed Israel Adesanya and a $1 million defeat after betting on Argentina to beat France in the 2022 World Cup final.
While Drake faces the financial repercussions of his latest gamble, Du Plessis is reveling in the glory of his championship triumph. Despite a bruised face from the intense match, the South African fighter expressed his pride in representing his nation on social media, emphasizing the fearlessness of Africa.
As social media users took the opportunity to playfully troll Drake for his major financial setback, Du Plessis received widespread acclaim and congratulations. Notable figures like Cassper Nyovest and Siya Kolisi extended their best wishes, emphasizing the global significance of Du Plessis’ achievement in putting South Africa back in the international spotlight.
