UFC Chief Dana White has recently come under fire for his decision to make Bud Light the official beer of the sports company. Critics have labeled him a sellout, accusing him of prioritizing money over values. However, White has responded to these accusations with a firm defense of his decision.
White dismissed his critics as “dummies,” asserting that sponsorship deals are naturally about financial gain. He emphasized that regardless of the partner, the UFC would have ended up with a significant sponsorship deal. However, he insisted that his choice of Bud Light was not solely motivated by monetary considerations.
UFC President Dana White announces their partnership with Bud Light pic.twitter.com/FiXoHbkCZm
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According to White, Bud Light was chosen as a partner due to their support for the military, law enforcement, and local farmers. He refuted claims that he was merely parroting a script, stating, “Nobody writes me a script. Nobody tells me what to say. Ever.”
The partnership between Bud Light and the UFC is set to bring a range of benefits to fans aged 21 and above. This includes custom social and digital content, broadcast integration, on-site presence, and more. The deal will also see prominent Bud Light branding inside the Octagon at every UFC event, along with other in-arena promotions.
#BudLight #UFC #danawhite #boycottUFC
UFC's new ring "girls" pic.twitter.com/xq1lsALme5
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In a statement announcing the sponsorship, White expressed his pride in rekindling the relationship with Anheuser-Busch and Bud Light, who were UFC’s original beer sponsors more than fifteen years ago. He stated that the alignment of core values between the two entities was a crucial factor in his decision.
Bud Light, despite being pushed out of the top spot by Modelo, had been the top-selling beer in the US for over two decades. They have made previous attempts to win back conservative beer drinkers through various initiatives, including donations to a veteran’s organization and using more football and country music in their commercials.
The announcement of the UFC-Bud Light partnership has sparked calls for a UFC boycott. However, White remains undeterred, defending the deal as more about shared values than money. The partnership is scheduled to begin on January 1, marking a new chapter in the relationship between the UFC and Bud Light.
In conclusion, while the decision to partner with Bud Light has been met with criticism, Dana White stands firm in his choice. He believes that the partnership aligns with the core values of the UFC and looks forward to the opportunities it will bring in the years ahead.
