This past Wednesday, Anheuser-Busch launched Phorm Energy, an energy drink that will be promoted by Dana White. Phorm Energy is a non-acoholic caffeinated beverage that is the first in partnership with the UFC boss.
The drink comes in four flavors: grape, orange, blue and of course “Screamin’ Freedom,” a mixture of blueberry, cherry and citrus flavors. A 16-ounce can costs $2.99.
The venture hopes to capitalize on the robust energy drink market while beer sales have been declining.
Anheuser-Busch also partnered with 1st Phorm for this venture. Similar to White, 1st Phorm comes with some baggage as CNN reports that its CEO, Andy Frisella, made offensive comments about female officers on his podcast.
White is a polarizing individual himself. While he has not made offensive comments like Frisella, his ties to the current administration and the company’s hard turn to right-wing, conservative sponsors, causes and celebrities has made the UFC the sport of choice for young MAGA men.
Anheuser-Busch had its own controversy as public outcries for conservatives came when Bud Light aligned with a trans social media influencer. But, it looks like the company is teetering back to the right to get in line with the young male demo that has gravitated toward the UFC.
It will be interesting what Monster Energy executives think of White’s partnership with the new energy drink as its clear its in direct competition with the company’s largest sponsor.
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