Dana White is standing firm on the UFC’s sponsorship deal with Bud Light, despite backlash and claims that the partnership was solely motivated by money, arguing that the decision was based on shared values and the company’s contributions to military and law enforcement causes.
Dana White, the CEO of UFC, is standing firm in his decision to partner with Bud Light for a multi-year sponsorship deal, despite the anticipated backlash. In 2024, Bud Light will once again be the official beer of the UFC. The move comes after the brand faced boycotts for its previous partnership with trans activist Dylan Mulvaney, where the company sustained significant financial losses and was criticized for not supporting Mulvaney against transphobic comments.
The announcement of the Bud Light deal also drew criticism from UFC fans who declared they would no longer support the MMA promotion. In response, Dana White fired back, addressing the critics who claimed the partnership was solely driven by money. White emphasized that all sponsorship deals revolve around finances, asserting that he had multiple options to choose from and that it was not a matter of Bud Light being the only option for financial gain.
White insisted that the decision to partner with Bud Light went beyond monetary considerations. He highlighted the importance of core values, stating that the collaboration with Anheuser-Busch, Bud Light’s parent company, aligns with his personal beliefs regarding military support, economic contributions to U.S. farmers, and employing veterans. He made it clear that money was no longer the sole motivator for him at this stage of his life and career.
Taking a defiant stance, White also rejected any suggestion that he was provided with a scripted response or influenced by the new sponsorship deal. He emphasized that every quote, social media post, and statement attributed to him is authentic and reflects his own thoughts and decisions. White concluded by affirming the truth behind his public support for Anheuser-Busch, asserting that the shared vision and values between himself and the company are what truly influenced his decision to partner with Bud Light.
In summary, Dana White defended the UFC’s partnership with Bud Light despite the expected backlash. He firmly stated that the decision was not solely based on financial gains but rather on shared values and beliefs. White addressed criticism and denied being influenced by the sponsorship deal, reiterating his independent voice and decision-making authority.