Alexander Volkanovski secured a victory for Drake and reclaimed the featherweight title at UFC 314, overcoming two significant obstacles.
In the main event of UFC 314 in Miami, Volkanovski, a popular fighter, defeated Diego Lopes by unanimous decision to become the featherweight champion once again.
Concerns were raised about Volkanovski before the fight in Florida, especially after his recent knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.
These concerns intensified when rapper Drake bet $545,000 on Volkanovski to win.
Drake`s betting history in MMA is marked by fighters he supports often losing, a phenomenon known as the "Drake curse" among fans.
However, Volkanovski defied expectations, regaining his featherweight title and securing a substantial win of $915,600.
The "Drake curse" was not the only jinx Volkanovski broke in Miami.
The Australian fighter made history as the first over 35 to win a title in UFC`s lighter weight classes.
Previously, sixteen fighters over 35 had attempted and failed to win championships in the flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, and lightweight divisions.
But at 36 years old, Volkanovski shattered this curse, reclaiming his position at the top of the 145lbs division.
Overcome with emotion, Volkanovski expressed to Joe Rogan in a post-fight interview, "It’s good to be back. I’ve never felt this much support."
"I told my daughters I would bring the belt home."
"Many doubted me due to my knockout losses, age, and time away. But I came back to defeat a strong opponent like Lopes. It feels great to be back."
"Adversity is truly a privilege. This moment is incredible.”
Elton Marrow 
Gideon Holt