Bud Light Returns as the Official Beer of the UFC in Record-Setting $100 Million Deal

John Locher/AP

Anheuser-Busch is returning as a UFC sponsor to make Bud Light the official drink of the company, the UFC announced Tuesday.

The multi-year deal, reportedly valued at more than $100 million, is the UFC’s largest deal ever.

“Anheuser-Busch and Bud Light were UFC’s original beer sponsors more than 15 years ago,” UFC CEO Dana White said in a statement. “I’m proud to announce we are back in business together. There are many reasons why I chose to go with Anheuser-Busch and Bud Light. Most importantly is because I feel we are very aligned when it comes to our core values and what the UFC brand stands for. I’m looking forward to all of the incredible things we will do in the years ahead.”

The deal may come as a surprise to some due to the difficult last few months for the Bud Light brand. After revealing its ad campaign with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney, Bud Light dealt with nationwide boycotts. Prominent conservative figures — including Kid Rock and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) — publicly denounced the brand for its decision.

As White noted, Anheuser-Busch was the UFC’s first beer sponsor. In 2019, the deal between the two entities expired. Since then, Modelo has been the official beer of the mixed martial arts company.