Dustin Poirier is owning up to a rough moment that played out in public. Days after the retired UFC star was arrested at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and charged with misdemeanor public drunkenness, Poirier addressed the incident head-on, admitting that life after fighting has been harder than he expected and that alcohol has become part of the problem.
According to the BBC, the arrest stemmed from a confrontation at the airport after Poirier was denied boarding on a Delta flight because of concerns about his level of intoxication. Police noted that the situation quickly spiraled. Body camera footage released by the Atlanta Police Department shows the former fighter shouting profanities at airline employees, arguing with officers, and repeatedly challenging a responding cop to a fight.
"I'll fight you right now," Poirier can be heard saying during the exchange. As tensions escalated and an officer pulled out a taser, Poirier asked, "Are you going to tase me?"
The scene was a stark contrast to the image fans have come to associate with Poirier over the past decade. The Louisiana native built a reputation as one of the UFC's toughest and most respected competitors, earning wins over Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, and Justin Gaethje while becoming a fan favorite for both his performances and his charitable work outside the cage.
But the story didn't end with the arrest.
After eventually calming down, Poirier complied with the officers and was taken into custody without resistance. In a surprising moment captured on video, he even fist-bumped the officer who arrested him and told him, "You did a great job. You did what you could."
After bodycam footage of the arrest circulated, Poirier posted a deeply personal statement on Instagram that shifted the conversation from the arrest itself to what he says is happening behind the scenes.
"I'm at the point where I need some help," Poirier wrote. "Walking away from fighting hasn't been easy on me, and alcohol isn't the answer."
The retired UFC standout then revealed why he's taking the situation seriously.
"It has ruined my father's life, and I will not allow it to ruin mine," he wrote. "My family deserve me at 100%. I'm trying to do everything I can to get my mind right and take the right next steps."
Poirier retired last year after a 16-year run in MMA, leaving the sport with 22 UFC victories and a résumé that includes some of the biggest names in combat sports. Since then, he's remained involved in the sport as a UFC analyst.
