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Jake Paul and Drake Among Biggest Losers at UFC 329

Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon after a five-year layoff ended before it started. McGregor appeared to injure his knee in the opening minute of the fight, resulting in a TKO win for Max Holloway. Many bettors, including Drake and Jake Paul, lost huge bets after backing “The Notorious” McGregor in his comeback fight.

Majority of Bettors Backed McGregor’s Comeback

McGregor, who spent the majority of the last five years battling assault lawsuits, steroid accusations, and drug and alcohol addictions, returned to the UFC at UFC 329. Despite the five-year layoff, many casual MMA fans bet on McGregor at UFC betting sites.

At many sportsbooks, including BetOnline, over 70% of wagers were on McGregor to win the fight.

Team @BetOnline_ag large Max Holloway fans.

62% $$$ MH
71% bets CM

— Dave Mason (@DaveMasonBOL) July 12, 2026

Despite support from bettors, McGregor entered the fight as the underdog. He lasted just 69 seconds, falling multiple times, before the fight was called off due to his right knee injury.

McGregor, who turns 37 tomorrow, has expressed his intention to return and finish out his contract with the UFC. He has one fight left on the deal he signed earlier this year.

As upset as bettors and fans may be by the outcome, Holloway’s win was great news for sportsbooks. UFC 329 was one of the most-wagered events in MMA history and would have led to major losses for operators if McGregor had pulled off the upset.

Drake, Paul Lose Large Bets

Everyday bettors were not the only ones with money riding on McGregor. Many celebrities, including Drake and Jake Paul, also bet on the Irishman to beat Holloway.

Jake Paul bet $500,000 on McGregor

Jake Paul and McGregor have been adversaries for years, but that did not stop Paul from betting on McGregor at UFC 329.

According to reports, Paul wagered $500,000 on a two-leg parlay for McGregor and Paddy Pimblett to win at UFC 329. Pimblett held up his end of the bargain, submitting Benoit Sait-Denis just 52 seconds into the first round.

The main event also ended quickly, but Paul was less lucky. McGregor appeared to have injured his knee on his opening strike, a flying high kick, and the match was over before it could really get started.

Drake Loses $1 Million on McGregor at UFC 329

The UFC was Drake’s most profitable sport, but his large wager on McGregor this weekend changed that. The Canadian rapper wagers $1 million on McGregor to beat Holloway on Saturday.

Drake was so confident in McGregor that he announced his wager on Instagram, proclaiming that the Mac was back.

The seven-figure bet all but wiped out Drake’s career winnings betting on the UFC. He has now lost 16 of his 27 MMA wagers, winning just over $29K with a 40.7% win rate.