Anheuser-Busch's Response to Dana White's Rant

The story has been circulating the mma and sports world for the passed few days, so there is no need to rehash the original story about Dana White's rant. Many were and are still curious to see if there will be any repercussions for the UFC president's comments. He has gone on the record and apologized to the gay and lesbian community, but insists his tirade was solely intended for Sherdog writer, Loretta Hunt, who he has not apologized to. The apology seems to have satisfied the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination (GLAAD). The owners of the UFC, the Fertitta brothers most likely reprimanded him, but probably nothing more. Who else could possibly provide any repercussions to Dana White and the UFC?

You could argue some fans will be turned off by it, but Dana White has shown his brash and shoot from the hip commenting style to be welcomed amongst his young and boisterous fight fans. Another possible backlash can come from the media, which has definitely occured, but the most vocal criticisms coming from outside the mma community. That only leaves the very valuable sponsors of the events. The guys who help make the UFC's bottom line much more profitable. The main sponsors, having recently been partnered only last year, are Harley-Davidson and Anheuser-Busch.

If either reneged on their sponsorship deals due to Dana White's comments, it would have a huge impact on the organization. Not only would it add fuel to a fire the UFC want to extinguish and forget about, but it could have a deterring effect on any new potential sponsors, who may shy away from being associated with the organization. Either way, the comments have left an indelible mark, it's just a matter of how well the UFC does damage control in the public realm and behind closed doors with their sponsors and partners. Clinch or Die contacted Anheuser-Busch, as they are one of the biggest, if not the biggest, sponsors the UFC has had and probably the biggest sponsors in all of major sports. Their official response about Dana White and his comments...

Thanks for contacting Anheuser-Busch.

The comments by Dana White were inappropriate, insensitive and out-of-line. We have spoken to Dana about the gravity of this issue and communicated that our company maintains a corporate commitment to zero tolerance for discrimination. Anheuser-Busch is guided by the belief, ‘Making Friends Is Our Business,’ and that every consumer is important, regardless of race, sex, religion, color, sexual orientation, gender identity national origin, age, disability or veteran’s status.

It is our understanding that Dana has posted an apology for his inappropriate comments. We thank you for contacting Anheuser-Busch and allowing us an opportunity to respond. Please let us know if you have additional comments or questions.

Your Friends at Anheuser-Busch

1-800-DIAL-BUD (1-800-342-5283)

www.budlight.com

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We haven't gotten in contact with Harley-Davidson, but Anheuser-Busch's comments lead us to believe they find Dana White's apology sufficient. Even though they themselves state there is "zero tolerance for discrimination," it doesn't look like Dana White's rant will harm the affiliation between the UFC and Anheuser-Busch. I would say this is a big bullet dodged by the UFC and should be a lesson learned for the president of the UFC. If you want the UFC and mma in general to become main stream, the face and representative of said groups must be careful in what they say and how they say it.

This isn't the first time Dana White has made controversial comments and he will be watched closely by many due to this recent incident. I guess this is why the UFC have stated Dana White will be taking a less public role for the foreseeable future. It'll be interesting to see how the leaves settle after all of this or if they will be ruffled again. Time will tell.

Tamdan "The Barn Cat" McCrory Interview

Tamdan "The Barn Cat" McCrory, is a 21 year old American mixed martial artist, who is currently preparing for his upcoming fight with Dustin Hazelett at UFC 91 on November 15th. Coming of a decision victory over Luke Cummo, Tamdan wants to continue on his winning ways within the UFC. Having his first and only loss to Akihiro Gono within the UFC, The Barn Cat is 2-1 in the UFC and 9-1 overall. Another victory will keep Tamdan on the path to elite level opponents within the UFC's welterweight division. The CNY fighter, has been officially slotted to appear on the preliminary card, with a chance he may make the undercard of what will most likely be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, PPV of the year for the UFC, when Brock Lesnar challenges Randy Couture for the UFC Heavyweight title. This youngster has a very promising future ahead of him in the mma scene and already off to a delightful start to his career. He is definitely one fighter to keep track of.

Here's more from Tamdan, who recently had an interview with Darrick Patrick...

Darrick: What was the road that led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?

Tamdan: I am quite a misanthrope and through a series of coincidences I met my trainer and now good friend Erik Charles. I hated the world for a while and wanted to kick everyone's ass. I kept training hard and getting my ass kicked, but eventually I became good and went on a tear winning my first ten fights along with signing with the UFC.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Tamdan: Just keep your head up and keep training hard. If you're doing the right things with the right people, eventually everything will fall into place.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Tamdan: Obviously my coaches who have put up with me for forever to make me the athlete and fighter that I am today.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Dustin Hazelett on November 15th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Tamdan: He's obviously good on the ground and has been around the block a few times. It'll be an exciting fight and hopefully it'll make the broadcast.

Darrick: What personally brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Tamdan: I guess the most fulfillment I get out of martial arts is seeing those that I coach succeed and excel. When you take someone who came from nothing and mold them into a monster that then challenges you, it's a very rewarding feeling. I look forward to seeing the guys that I train and train with succeed in the next couple of years.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Tamdan: Everyone that hated on me, all the people that pushed me around, and my coaches and friends now that brought me back up and made me a monster.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Tamdan: Playing video games (Zelda of course and other fantasy titles), boozin' out on the town, chasing women, throwin' a good chaw in here and there - all the usual things a 21-year-old likes, I guess. I plan on spending a lot of time doing all of those things after I gain another W with this fight.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Tamdan: If I told you, then everyone would know, right? Then there'd be no secrets. Really, I can't think of anything at the moment. Try back in a couple weeks. (Laughs)

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Tamdan: I remember when I was about two and first learned how to climb out of my crib. Well, I made it over the side and I fell off it and smacked the ground in the middle of the night while trying to go jump in my parent's bed.

Darrick: If you had superpowers, what would they be?

Tamdan: The ability to live a stress-free life.

For more interviews by Darrick Patrick, please visit his site here...

More exclusive Darrick Patrick interviews