In a controversial move, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has sparked outrage and calls for a boycott after announcing a lucrative partnership with Bud Light. The deal, reportedly worth over $100 million, has raised eyebrows due to the beer brand's recent sales decline and previous controversial campaign involving transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

The backlash against the UFC was swift, with social media users expressing their discontent and vowing to double down on the #BoycottBudLight campaign. Many criticized the MMA league for aligning itself with Bud Light, questioning the decision and calling it a "dumb move."

Since Bud Light's ill-fated campaign with Mulvaney in April, the brand has faced significant challenges and has been dethroned as the number one beer in the US. Modelo Especial, the new leader in beer sales, experienced rapid growth following Bud Light's decline.

Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Bud Light, has attempted to salvage the brand's image and market share by investing in advertising campaigns featuring notable figures such as NFL's tight end Travis Kelce. However, these efforts have drawn further criticism, leading to calls for boycotts of companies affiliated with Bud Light.

The UFC's decision to sign a six-year deal with Bud Light has intensified the controversy surrounding the sponsorship. Social media users have expressed disappointment and questioned the wisdom of aligning with a brand that has faced such severe backlash. Critics likened the deal to "picking at a scab," predicting that it would leave a lasting scar on the UFC's reputation.

Notably, Spotify podcaster and MMA announcer Joe Rogan, who had previously referred to Mulvaney as "mentally ill" and an "attention whore," has yet to publicly comment on the partnership. Many are eagerly awaiting his response, wondering if he will support the boycott or remain loyal to the UFC, with which he has a close association.

This partnership marks a reunion between Bud Light and the UFC, as they had a previous sponsorship deal before 2019. The UFC's primary beer sponsor for the past four years has been Modelo, which has now been replaced by Bud Light.

As of now, representatives for both Bud Light and the UFC have not responded to requests for comment regarding the backlash and calls for boycotts. The controversy surrounding this sponsorship deal continues to escalate, and it remains to be seen how it will impact both brands involved.

In conclusion, the UFC's decision to partner with Bud Light has ignited a firestorm of criticism and calls for boycotts. The sponsorship deal, reportedly worth over $100 million, has raised questions about the wisdom of aligning with a beer brand that has experienced sharp sales declines and previous controversies. As the backlash continues to grow, the ultimate outcome of this partnership remains uncertain.