Dana White is renowned for his candid expressions and viewpoints. White played a pivotal role in transforming the UFC from its early days of facing bans in multiple U.S. states to the global powerhouse the promotion stands as today.  But not all of his decisions have found favor with fans. And now recent reports of UFC’s latest sponsorship deal have caused an uproar within a part of the community.

The UFC released a statement regarding the end of its partnership with Modelo at the end of this year as its official beer sponsor. The brand will be replaced with Bud Light and the decision to change sponsors has led to backlash from a vocal part of the UFC fanbase. And comments on White’s recent social media posts regarding ‘PowerSlap’ indicate that some fans are willing to boycott the UFC entirely over the decision!

Dana White and UFC’s new sponsor faces backlash from fans

It was announced on Wednesday that the UFC has signed a six-year sponsorship deal with Bud Light. The deal is expected to kick off on January 1, 2024, and as reports estimate, the sponsorship deal is worth over $100 million.

The ‘Bud Light’ brand which is owned by AB InBev (Anheuser Busch) will be the official beer of the UFC from 2024. But fans have been vocal about their displeasure with the brand for their views on social issues and their partnership with Dylan Mulvaney, a TikTok star.

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Recently, White shared an update on Instagram regarding the ‘PowerSlap 5’ event. The comment sections for the post reflected the sentiments of the fans regarding the new sponsorship deal.

Here’s how the fans reacted:

Fans voiced their displeasure and disappointment over the UFC’s collaboration with Bud Light

Bud light shares the same values? You sure know how to put your foot in your mouth.

Many pointed out that a significant portion of the audience might be lost as a result of this association

Dana White… you just lost so much audience by signing with Bud Light. Prepare for the boycott. You saw how much damage Budlight sustained by not understanding their audience and your now making the same mistake.

Oh man bud light come on man 

Many fans pledged to boycott the UFC in response to this partnership.

Dana White is a sellout. Done with UFC!!

Others were concerned that money might be the motivating factor behind the new deal

Bud Light??? C’mon Dana. You and the UFC are better than this. I guess money talks. I don’t want to have to boycott UFC…

“Where’s My Money”- Crazy Knockout From Dana White’s Power Slap 5 Leaves Deontay Wilder Thrilled

Many inquired if Dana White was serious about the deal with ‘Bud Light’

Are you kidding us @danawhite ? Bud light? Really?

Others claimed that this change in sponsors may lead to financial losses for the UFC

@danawhite go woke, go broke.

In conclusion, the UFC’s partnership with Bud Light has elicited a passionate and predominantly negative response from fans. Many of them are concerned about the impact it might have on the sport and its viewership. The disappointment is palpable, with fans expressing their hope that the UFC, and Dana White, in particular, would have chosen differently.

Dana White, however, has hit back at his critics regarding the change in sponsors. And in typical White fashion, he held nothing back in a press- conference where he shared his honest thoughts on the matter.

White reveals money is not the primary factor behind the new sponsor

UFC President Dana White acknowledges the potential backlash from this collaboration but remains unfazed. During a conversation with MMA Junkie and other reporters, White expressed his awareness of public opinion and compared it to the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that, at the heart of sponsorship deals, there is an inherent financial aspect. And that it was not solely about money for him.

White clarified “So it’s not like Bud Light showed up and they were the only option I had to get money. You know how f*cking stupid that is?

He made the decision based on values rather than financial gain. He noted that “for Anheuser-Busch, it was about values, core values for me. I’m at a point in my life, and I’m at a point in my career, where nothing is just about money anymore.”

In summary, the UFC’s association with Bud Light in a substantial sponsorship deal reflects a calculated move. Dana White emphasized shared values, particularly in supporting the military, law enforcement, and American farmers, as the primary motivation behind the collaboration.

Do you think fans will actually boycott the UFC over this decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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