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Jon Jones couldn’t help but react as the tension between Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached new heights. What started as a decade-long “friendly competition” between two of the world’s biggest rappers escalated in 2024 when both artists dropped scathing diss tracks like Push Ups and Not Like Us, trading accusations of domestic abuse and p—philia. Earlier this month, Kendrick Lamar reignited the controversy during his Super Bowl halftime performance, delivering Not Like Us live while taking direct shots at Drake and his inner circle, labeling them “certified p–ophiles.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

The moment became even more sensational when Lamar invited Drake’s ex-girlfriend, tennis icon Serena Williams, to join him on stage, adding another layer to the already heated feud. The drama took an unexpected comedic twist last night at SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert at Radio City Music Hall. Comedians Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, reprising their iconic roles as Marty and Bobbi Mohan-Culp, performed a parody cover of Not Like Us, repeatedly chanting “A minor, A minor”—a jab that left the audience in fits of laughter.

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As the clip of their performance spread across social media, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones chimed in with a reaction that summed up the internet’s response: “What just happened? 😂” The rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar extends far beyond diss tracks and social media jabs. What began as lyrical sparring quickly escalated into something far more serious. In January, the BBC reported that Drake’s legal team filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Not Like Us, which accused him of p—philia. His lawyers denounced the claims as “false accusations.”

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While Drake appears to have a solid case in his civil suit against Kendrick Lamar, the ongoing legal battle has only deepened the divide between the two artists. Amid all this controversy, did you know that Jon Jones played a role in helping Drake recover from a financial setback last year? Let’s take a closer look.

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How did Jon Jones help Drake recover from his financial loss?

Whether you’re a fight fan or not, you’ve likely heard of the “Drake Curse”—a notorious superstition in the sports world. According to popular belief, any athlete or team that Drake bets on is destined to lose. This so-called curse has affected UFC fighters, including stars like Justin Gaethje, Jorge Masvidal, and Conor McGregor. One of Drake’s biggest gambling losses came last year when he placed a $355,000 bet on Mike Tyson in his highly anticipated boxing match against Jake Paul via the betting app Stake.

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Unfortunately for Drake, Paul emerged victorious, leaving his wager in ruins. However, fortunes took a turn at UFC 309—one of the year’s most significant events—when Jon Jones made his long-awaited return to face Stipe Miocic. This time, Drake bet $500,000 on ‘Bones’ to win by knockout at any point in the fight. Defying the superstition, Jones delivered a stunning spinning leg kick knockout, securing a dominant victory over Miocic and earning Drake a hefty $1 million payout. But Jon Jones wasn’t the only fighter to break the infamous “Drake Curse.”

In fact, several other notable names have defied the superstition, including Dillon Danis, UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett, and former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. Now, with Jon Jones entering the Drake-Kendrick Lamar controversy, it raises the question: could this affect the relationship between Drake and ‘Bones’? Do you think the dynamics between these athletes and celebrities will remain unchanged despite the drama? Share your thoughts below!

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Written by

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Ishan Yadav

2,822 Articles

Ishan Yadav is a Senior UFC Writer at EssentiallySports and a key member of the Breaking News team known for his sharp post-fight coverage and insightful analysis. With a strong editorial instinct and high fight IQ, he skillfully balances the fans' perspective with technical breakdowns to deliver engaging content that resonates throughout the MMA community. His thoughtful takes have gained recognition on platforms like Reddit and from industry insiders, which helped him earn a place in EssentiallySports’ prestigious Journalistic Excellence Program (JEP), our flagship initiative that focuses on refining journalistic skills, enhancing analytical thinking, and deepening sports journalism knowledge through mentorship from seasoned industry veterans. Ishan’s background as a law graduate adds depth to his reporting. He also practiced law after enrolling in the Bar Council. Currently, Ishan is pursuing a Master of Laws in Banking, Corporate, Finance, and Securities Law, and continues to follow his passion for the sport of combat.

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Syed Rahil Ahmed

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