Unusual linkup between Drake and UFC star Alex Pereira at concert has fans in splits: “Curse will reign supreme”
Rapper Drake, who once placed a bet against Alex Pereira, met the UFC light heavyweight champion in Australia.

Alex Pereira met Drake at a concert in Australia (Image via Billboards/Instagram)
UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is currently scheduled to defend his title against Magomed Ankalaev at the upcoming UFC PPV event (UFC 313). However, ahead of that, Pereira caught everyone’s attention by meeting one of the popular musicians, Drake. It was during the UFC light heavyweight champion’s visit to Australia.
Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira served as the corner man for his friend Sean Strickland during his championship fight at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia. In addition to supporting Strickland, the UFC light heavyweight champion seemed to enjoy his time away from the cage. He also attended a concert by popular musician and avid MMA enthusiast Drake.
The 38-year-old Canadian rapper has an intriguing history with the UFC and other combat sports. Notably, he has a tendency to gamble his earnings on MMA fights. Interestingly, Drake is a fan of one of the UFC light heavyweight champion’s former rivals, Israel Adesanya. Furthermore, in both of the fights between Adesanya and Pereira in the UFC, the rapper placed substantial wagers.
Alex Pereira just dapped up Drake at his concert in Sydney, Australia 👀 pic.twitter.com/bkeoRtplnd
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) February 16, 2025
During their initial clash at UFC 281, Drake experienced a significant loss when Adesanya suffered a brutal knockout defeat. However, things turned around in the rematch at UFC 287, where the Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter delivered an impressive performance against Pereira.
Following that bout, the American rapper placed his bets on the Brazilian fighter at UFC 300. After Pereira dominated Jamahal Hill, Drake reaped a substantial financial reward.
Fight fans react to Alex Pereira meeting Drake in a concert
Since his promotional debut in 2021, Alex Pereira has emerged as one of the most popular superstars and fan favorites in the UFC community. In addition to his impressive fight performances and dominant run in the promotion, Pereira has also attracted attention for his activities outside the cage. One notable example is his recent meeting with Drake in Australia.

The clip of Pereira meeting the popular rapper quickly went viral. As a result, fight fans and internet users didn’t take long to share their reactions. Some of the fans even alluded to the infamous Drake curse as well. Check out some of the interesting comments and reactions below.
Poor Pereira, Drake going to end up betting on him against Ankalaev now… the curse will reign supreme 😂
— broseph (@brosephblake) February 16, 2025
The Drake curse is real.
— KOOSH ⚡ (@nftkoosh) February 16, 2025
Chama streak is over
Alex is going to get hit with the Drake curse now
— Kyle (@bulliedb170) February 16, 2025
I was waiting for the Chama the second they connected 😂
— Cam Babine (@cambabine) February 16, 2025
Side quest master Pereira from now on
— nue (@nuenikollla) February 16, 2025
Ancient spirits and shamans cannot protect him from the Drake curse
— Dru G (@AGoldin12789) February 16, 2025
Alex didn’t really seem to care🤣
— PalestineAdesanyaMMA (@BiereHQ) February 16, 2025
Alex is everywhere all year but home lmao
— saatviku🦍 (@itssaatviku) February 16, 2025
bro has two weeks for camp
— 荒凉 (@XiongGuYee) February 16, 2025
God no! Alex just lost his next flight Drake is gonna bet on him
— Demonic Lawrence (@DemonicLawrenc3) February 16, 2025
biggest fight of his life.
— -𝑙𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑟 🤎 (@FBlurrr) February 16, 2025
touched drake hand, it begins
chama https://t.co/tVlkR4K4fE
ffs, i just put $100 on Ankalaev https://t.co/i8iqe5PXxd
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) February 16, 2025
Given Drake’s reputation for betting on UFC fights, many fans believe he will place a wager on Pereira. However, the rapper has gained a poor reputation for being a jinx to the fighters he bets on. Consequently, many think that UFC light heavyweight Pereira will face a tough matchup against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313.
Related: Alex Pereira Fight Record: How many defeats does “Poatan” have in his career?