Thousands of people started to boycott Bud Light earlier this year as a result of the company’s sponsorship of a transgender woman, which sparked controversy. The UFC recently said that Bud Light will return as the official beer of the promotion beginning in 2024.
The unexpected reinstatement of Bud Light by the UFC raised eyebrows among fans. But UFC President Dana White took to the Full Send Podcast, elucidating his rationale behind supporting and aligning with Bud Light.
In his statement during the podcast, Dana White passionately defended his alignment with Anheuser-Busch. He emphasized on the values and beliefs that resonate with him and the essence of the company.
White said: “I’ve been talking about this for two f*cking weeks. I’m only doing deals with brands that I’m aligned with and I am way more aligned with Anheuser-Busch than I am with any other beer company on this f*****g planet. Let me just put it to you that way. I’m in the know.”
“I deal with the real s**t every day and I know Bud Light got hammered over one thing that they did, but, when you look at the company as a whole and what they stand for and what they believe in and when you talk about what somebody believes in and what they stand for, look at what they’ve done.”
Highlighting Bud Light’s profound impact and contributions, Dana White underscored pivotal aspects beyond mere controversies.
White continued: “Look at their track record. I’ve said it a million times. 65,000 Americans are employed at Anheuser-Busch. That should be your number one reason. 65,000 jobs in America.”
“Number two, they spend almost a billion dollars per year with U.S. farmers. That alone should be another reason. A big majority of their employees are vets. They spent $44 million over the last several years taking care of fallen first responders. Taking care of families, military families of soldiers who have fallen. I’m way more aligned with them than I am with anybody else.”
Dana White then passionately asserted that true patriots should opt for Bud Light over rival brands.
He said: “Here’s the thing, these people who consider themselves patriots, and are like hardcore. I love this country. I am an American and I love this country. If you consider yourself a patriot and you’re talking about all the other beers out there, I know all the other beers out there.”
“You should be drinking f*****g barrels of Bud Light if woke is what you’re worried about. Trust me when I tell you, just trust me. Everybody knows who I am, everybody knows who I stand for. I don’t need f*****g money, and people are like you f*****g sell out. I was going to get a shitload of money no matter what.”
In addition, Dana White claims that Bud Light is just a good beer and the UFC struck the deal because they share his beliefs.