South African UFC champion Dricus du Plessis humorously thanked Drake for the infamous “Drake Curse” after his victory over Israel Adesanya.
Global (19 August 2024) – South Africans are known for their ability to find humour in any situation, and that sense of humour was on full display when Dricus du Plessis, South Africa’s UFC sensation, took to social media to thank Canadian rapper Drake after his recent victory over Israel Adesanya.
The twist? The thank-you wasn’t for any direct support but rather for the “Drake Curse” that, according to some fans, played a crucial role in Du Plessis’ win.
Fresh off his triumphant win at UFC 305, where he defended his middleweight title in spectacular fashion, Du Plessis decided to have a little fun on social media.
In a light-hearted post, he wrote: “Thanks for the support @Drake 😂.”
But this was no ordinary thank-you note. Instead, it was a cheeky nod to the infamous “Drake Curse,” a phenomenon that has haunted athletes and teams for years.
For those unfamiliar, the “Drake Curse” is a widely recognised superstition in the sports world. The curse suggests that any athlete or team publicly backed by Drake is doomed to fail. Over the years, the rapper has inadvertently jinxed a series of high-profile sports events, with his endorsements seemingly leading to shock losses and underwhelming performances.
This past weekend, Drake placed a hefty $450,000 (over R8 million) bet on Israel Adesanya to reclaim his middleweight title from Du Plessis. However, the South African powerhouse had other plans, executing a masterful rear-naked choke in the fourth round to secure his victory, causing Drake to lose. The rapper previously wagered $700,000 (R12 million) on Sean Strickland to successfully defend his middleweight title against Du Plessis. He lost that bet too.
Fans quickly took to social media, pointing fingers at Drake’s involvement, and Du Plessis didn’t miss the opportunity to jump in on the joke.
South Africa is not just celebrating a sports victory but also revelling in the good-natured spirit of its champions. Du Plessis’ playful thank-you tweet is a reminder that, win or lose, it’s essential to keep things lighthearted and to enjoy every moment—especially when you’ve got the whole world watching.
So, here’s to Dricus Du Plessis, who not only defended his title but also won the internet with his wit and charm. As for Drake, maybe next time, he’ll think twice before placing another bet. Or maybe, just maybe, he’ll continue to give us all something to laugh about.
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