Drake Bets Big on Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz Fight and Misses

Posted on: August 7, 2023, 03:33h. 

Last updated on: May 8, 2024, 10:07h.

Erik Gibbs Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Gaming Business, Global Gaming.

Sports bettors know that you never bet with your emotions. Drake, the Canadian rapper and intrepid bettor known for missing big money bets, never got the memo and lost a considerable fortune this weekend on the Jake Paul vs. Nate Díaz boxing match.

Nate Diaz takes a tumble during his boxing match against Jake Paul
Nate Diaz takes a tumble during his boxing match against Jake Paul. Diaz lost his debut match, and the rapper Drake went down with him. (Image: Kevin Jairaj via USA Today Sports)

Drake supposedly took a loss of $250K thanks to the defeat of Díaz at the hands of YouTuber Jake Paul. Diaz was a formidable UFC fighter before deciding to try his skills as a pugilist.

Prior to the fight, and as he has done with many other sporting events, Drake published his Stake.com betting ticket, showing that he was backing Díaz. The ticket includes an admission that the “Way 2 Sexy” singer can “never bet against a Díaz brother,” even if his opponent is a better choice.

Swing and a Miss

Before the fight, Paul reacted on Instagram to Drake’s move with a violent image where he appears holding the decapitated head of Díaz. In the post, Paul also left a message for the rapper assuring him that he “was losing his money.” He wasn’t wrong.

Despite the fact that Drake had previously expressed his admiration for the Paul brothers’ boxing prowess, a victory by Díaz would have tripled his investment. Going into Saturday’s match, Díaz was an underdog, with sportsbooks giving him around +340 against Paul’s -440.

The fight between Díaz and Paul went the distance, leaving the outcome in the hands of the judges, and a key knockdown Paul delivered in the fifth round helped give him a boost. The judges scored the 10-round match with cards of 97-92, 98-91, and 98-91 in Paul’s favor.

Drake has experienced several six-figure financial losses betting on boxing and MMA. Two of these include Jorge Masvidal’s match against Colby Covington and Justin Gaethje’s loss in his championship fight against Charles Oliveira.

In the fight between Paul and Tommy Fury, Drake reportedly lost $400K. He had backed the content creator, who was undefeated until that bout.

It’s not just hand-to-hand combat Drake likes. He has a history of reportedly placing big-money wagers on the NFL and other sports.

Despite Paul’s success in his boxing career, there have been controversies and accusations surrounding the authenticity of his fights. Bellator MMA fighter Dillon Danis has been particularly vocal about match-fixing claims.

Fights After Fights

The night of celebration and excitement that followed Paul’s victory over Díaz was marred by a violent incident involving a group of spectators. Moments after the YouTuber-turned-boxer scored his unanimous decision over the MMA legend, some fans decided to test their own fighting skills, sparking a series of chaotic brawls at the event venue.

The altercation left images of fists flying, shirts torn off, and mob brawls involving about a dozen people. While some watched with laughter and amazement, others expressed disappointment at the situation that was unfolding. There was apparently no security presence observed at the scene, further aggravating the situation.

One of the most shocking moments was when one individual knocked another down and hit him on the back of the head against the marble floor. In addition, a two-on-one confrontation was witnessed near a stanchion, where a man attempted to kick two others involved in the fight.