TLDR
- Dustin Poirier gave an emotional interview about his struggles with alcohol and depression after being arrested for public intoxication at an Atlanta airport on Father’s Day
- UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland dismissed Poirier’s mental health concerns, saying successful people aren’t allowed to be depressed
- Strickland told Poirier to ‘shut the f**k up’ and compared his situation to children dying of cancer
- Most of the MMA community praised Poirier for speaking openly about his mental health struggles
- Strickland has a history of controversial statements on mental health, growing up with an alcoholic father himself
Sources: mmasucka.com | nyfights.com
UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland publicly criticized Dustin Poirier after the retired fighter gave an emotional interview about his recent arrest. Strickland dismissed Poirier’s comments about depression and told him to “shut the f**k up” on social media.
Poirier was arrested for public intoxication at an Atlanta airport on Father’s Day in May 2026. The 37-year-old retired fighter spoke openly about the incident, discussing his struggles with alcohol and the difficult transition to life after fighting.
In the interview, Poirier explained that Father’s Day was particularly hard for him because of his complicated relationship with his father, who is homeless. He admitted he turned to alcohol even though he knew it was wrong and took full responsibility for his actions.
Most of the MMA community supported Poirier for speaking honestly about his mental health. Fellow fighters and fans praised him for being vulnerable and taking accountability.
🚨 Sean Strickland fires back at fans calling out his “hypocrisy” for saying depression isn’t real but once cried on a podcast about his trauma
“Very different. Theo broke down a wall that I had built and reinforced over years, for like 20 seconds it cracked.” 👀
Is Sean a… pic.twitter.com/Wc6L0Hc7mq
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) July 7, 2026
Strickland’s Harsh Response on Social Media
Strickland had a very different reaction to Poirier’s interview. The outspoken champion questioned whether successful people like Poirier have any right to be depressed.
“I know this is an unpopular opinion, and you’ve got other people saying like, ‘Oh, male depression is a real thing.’ Dude, no, it’s not,” Strickland said. “No, it’s not, especially if you’re like successful, and you’ve got a family, and you’re rich.”
Strickland compared Poirier’s situation to children with life-threatening illnesses. “There are kids literally laying in bed dying of chemo right now that would do anything for one more f**king day on this planet, and you’re looking in the mirror saying, ‘Oh, I’m sad, I’m sad.’ Shut the f**k up,” he said.
The middleweight champion also downplayed the airport arrest itself. He said Poirier “got kicked off a flight and tried to fight a cop” and told him to relax because “it happens to the best of us.”
When UFC fighter Drew Dober posted a video about how dangerous retirement can be for fighters, Strickland responded with just four words. He wrote, “Just don’t drink. Its that easy.”
Strickland’s History With Controversial Statements
This isn’t the first time Strickland has made controversial comments about mental health. The 35-year-old champion is known for sharing unfiltered opinions on many topics including politics, gender identity, and social issues.
Just days before commenting on Poirier, Strickland criticized actor Elliot Page’s boxing videos. He called Page “severely mentally ill” and attacked the transgender community in a series of social media posts.
Strickland’s views on mental health likely come from his own childhood experiences. He grew up with an abusive, alcoholic father, which shaped his perspective on addiction and depression.
Poirier retired in 2026 after a 16-year career with a professional record of 30-10. He won the interim lightweight title but never captured the undisputed championship belt.
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The retired fighter has been open about struggling with retirement after dedicating his entire adult life to fighting. He admitted in a previous interview with Full Send MMA that retirement has brought both good days and bad days.
Poirier also posted on social media that he needs help to stop his drinking habit. He runs The Good Fight Foundation, a charity organization, and is known for beating Conor McGregor twice during his career.
