Dana White criticized by Trump-supporting Colby Covington for controversial Bud Light deal 

Colby Covington blasts Dana White over choosing Bud Light as a UFC sponsor.

Dana White criticized by Trump-supporting Colby Covington for controversial Bud Light deal 

Colby Covington raises concern over Dana White Bud Light deal (via Imago/PR Newswire)

Colby Covington doesn’t stand with boss Dana White on the questionable Bud Light deal. The UFC CEO has faced a series of criticisms after UFC had a sponsorship deal with Bud Light earlier this year. While Covington considered himself a company man, he didn’t necessarily like the idea of this deal.

Colby Covington recently appeared on the TwinsPod podcast where he talked about UFC and politics. During the conversation, ‘Chaos’ was asked about UFC’s deal with Bud Light. While discussing the controversial matter, the fighter revealed that he is not in a position to question the company’s business. However, if he was in place of Dana White, he wouldn’t have taken the same decision. 

That's above my pay grade. That's up to the UFC and Dana White, whatever business is good for them. I'm a company man, I love the company. So, I'm gonna stand with them…Obviously, If I was the head, I wouldn't stand for that…I don't agree with it, but it's their business.
Colby Covington via TwinsPod
YouTube video

The Bud Light beer attracted backlash in 2023 following their social media advertising with transgender influencer, Dylan Mulvaney. The campaign was a marketing effort to address dwindling sales and draw in younger audiences. Mulvaney advertised a Bud Light competition during March Madness with a little Instagram video. 

FS Video

This prompted many conservative individuals and organizations to respond by calling for a boycott of Bud Light. Certain conservative consumers moved to other brands after feeling let down. The month after the commercial, sales of Bud Light decreased by 11 to 26 percent. However, fans were shocked after the sudden partnership deal with the beer company and UFC.

Dana White on partnering with Bud Light amid controversy 

On January 1, 2024, Bud Light became the official beer sponsor of UFC with a $105 million-a-year deal. This attracted a lot of criticism for the promotion and Dana White. Many called out White for being a sellout and contradicting his values and previous statements. 

Dana White comes clean about his deal with Bud Light
Dana White comes clean about his deal with Bud Light (via The Wall Street Journal/CNN)

While responding to the question, Dana White cleared the air and revealed that he believes in the Bud Light deal. According to the UFC CEO, it’s a great move for business. 

People are talking s*** now. "Sell out" and all this s*** they f***ing say. Believe me, I'm the furthest f***ing thing from a sell-out. Bud Light is the right move for me. They are exactly who I want to be with right now and we are very aligned as far as core values go
Dana White via Theo Von’s podcast

White has been in the business for more than two decades and knows what’s right and wrong. However, this time the 54-year-old is definitely in some mud as his fighters are criticizing his move. However, that might not be enough for White to withdraw from his decision as the deal is too lucrative to let go. 

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