TLDR
- Dustin Poirier, 37, was arrested for alleged public drunkenness at Atlanta airport earlier this week
- Body camera footage shows Poirier threatening an officer after allegedly being removed from a flight
- Poirier admitted he needs help and said alcohol has been his response to difficult retirement from fighting
- The retired UFC star referenced how alcohol ruined his father’s life and vowed not to let it ruin his own
- Poirier retired in 2025 after 16 years in UFC, winning 22 of 32 fights but never capturing an undisputed title
Sources: bbc.com | independent.co.uk
Retired UFC fighter Dustin Poirier has admitted he needs help after being arrested for alleged public drunkenness at an Atlanta airport earlier this week. The 37-year-old was released on bail following the incident in Georgia.
Body camera footage released by police shows an agitated Poirier confronting an officer at the airport. In the video, Poirier claims he was thrown off a flight before threatening the officer.
“I’ll fight you right now,” Poirier can be heard saying in the footage, along with several expletives. As the officer attempted to calm him down, Poirier asked “are you going to tase me?” while the officer removed his taser.
The former UFC star eventually calmed down when a second officer arrived to arrest him. Before being handcuffed, Poirier fist-bumped the officer who filmed the exchange and told him, “You did a great job, you did what you could.”
Dustin Poirier got kicked off his flight and tried to fight a cop before getting arrested pic.twitter.com/PL9ydmhjN5
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) June 23, 2026
Poirier Addresses Struggles After Retirement
Following his release, Poirier posted a statement on Instagram acknowledging his struggle with alcohol since retiring from mixed martial arts. “I’m at the point where I need some help, walking away from fighting hasn’t been easy on me and alcohol isn’t the answer,” he wrote.
Poirier also revealed that alcohol problems have affected his family. “It has ruined my father’s life and I will not allow it to ruin mine, my family deserve me at 100%,” he said in the statement.
The retired fighter said he is taking steps to address his mental health. “I’m trying to do everything I can to get my mind right and take the right next steps,” Poirier wrote.
In Georgia, public drunkenness is a misdemeanor offense. The charge carries penalties of up to one year in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, or both.
Earlier this month, Poirier spoke with Full Send MMA about the challenges of life after fighting. “Some days I’m great, some days I’m not so good. It’s up and down honestly,” he said in the interview.
He described the importance of staying busy and working toward goals. “I’m a danger if I don’t have anything circled on my calendar, if I’m not working towards something. If I’m not trying to better myself or my family, I’m a danger to myself,” Poirier explained.
Distinguished Career in the Octagon
Poirier retired from MMA in July 2025 after a 16-year career in the sport. He left as one of the most respected fighters to never win an undisputed UFC championship.
The Louisiana native made his UFC debut in 2011 and compiled a record of 22 wins and 10 losses in the organization. He held the interim lightweight championship during his career.
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Poirier’s resume includes victories over some of the biggest names in the sport. He defeated Conor McGregor twice, including a knockout win in 2021 and a technical knockout when McGregor broke his leg later that year.
He also holds wins over former UFC champions Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, and Anthony Pettis. His final fight was a decision loss to Holloway in July 2025.
Outside the octagon, Poirier earned recognition for his charity work helping children in Louisiana. Since retiring from competition, he has worked as an analyst on UFC broadcasts.
