As UFC 309 approaches, all eyes are on the colossal showdown between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. After waiting for a year since their UFC 295 fight got canceled due to ‘Bones’ suffering from a pectoral tendon tear, the two will step into the Octagon at Madison Square Garden on November 16. But amidst the storm of predictions and preparations, one familiar figure looms over the narrative—the ‘Drake Curse.’

Canadian rap icon Drake, a known enthusiast of high-stakes UFC betting, has once again entered the fray. But here’s the catch: Drake’s bets often seem to spell doom for the fighters he backs. So, will Jon Jones be able to defy the so-called curse, or is he the next victim of Drake’s streak of misfortune?

In a recent post shared on X by MMA Orbit, it was revealed that the rapper has wagered a hefty $450,000 on ‘Bones’ to knock out Stipe Miocic, with an estimated payout of $954,000. Drake’s connection to the UFC is almost as famous as his music. A cage-side presence at many fight nights, the rapper’s passion for MMA is undeniable.

Yet his betting record? Let’s just say it’s less than stellar. Fans have coined the term ‘Drake Curse’ jokingly attributing a string of unexpected losses to his well-publicized wagers. When Israel Adesanya took on Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 to regain his middleweight crown, Drake had put $450,000 in favor of ‘The Last Stylebender’. However, ‘Stillknocks’ submitted Adesanya in the fourth round and in a subsequent post on social media stated, “From the bottom of my heart once again THANK YOU @Drake.”

Still, Jones might be the exception. When he returned at UFC 285 after a three-year hiatus, many doubted if ‘Bones’ still had his edge. But he silenced critics in dramatic fashion, submitting Ciryl Gane in a flash and pocketing Drake a cool $1.7 million. But can lightning strike twice in the unpredictable world of MMA? Or will Jones be added to the list of the victims of the ‘Drake Curse’ after UFC 309? It remains to be seen. But the UFC boss has added another layer to this bout with a recent statement about what’s next for Jones after his bout against Stipe Miocic!

Dana White puts Jon Jones on notice as he proclaims Tom Aspinall in line for undisputed title next

The air before UFC 309 is buzzing with speculation not just about the clash between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic but also the ripple effects it might unleash. While Jones defends his crown against Miocic, another name has quietly claimed the spotlight—Tom Aspinall. The interim heavyweight champion has become the storm in this week’s fight chatter, despite not stepping into the Octagon this weekend. But here’s the kicker, UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that if Jones triumphs over Miocic and chooses retirement instead of facing Aspinall, the Brit will automatically ascend as the undisputed heavyweight champion!

During a recent interview with Kevin Iole, White stated, “Obviously, a guy like Jon Jones has had a career that if he wants something, we could do it… But you can’t just want to do a ‘fun fight’ and not fight the interim heavyweight champion – [he’s] the guy who’s next. Because if Jon Jones retires on Saturday, then Tom Aspinall would be the heavyweight champion [of the UFC]”

But should Jones rise to the occasion and defeat both Miocic and Aspinall, White hinted at a tantalizing prospect as he revealed, “If he beats Tom Aspinall, then yes, I would do the Alex Pereira fight.” With everything on the line, the fight has now become more than just a contest of physicality—it’s a crossroads for Jones, Aspinall, and the future of the heavyweight division. The question remains, can Jon Jones secure his legacy, avoid the curse, and keep the undisputed title out of Tom Aspinall’s hands? Or will this be the night everything changes?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!