TLDR
- Sean Strickland apologized to Dustin Poirier after initially mocking him for discussing depression and mental health struggles
- Poirier revealed on a podcast that alcohol abuse, father issues, and depression led to his Father’s Day arrest at Atlanta airport
- Strickland changed his stance after a private conversation with Poirier and urged Bud Light to continue supporting him
- Former champion Cody Garbrandt called on the UFC to provide better healthcare and retirement benefits for fighters
- UFC fighters currently compete as independent contractors and don’t receive employee benefits like 401(k) retirement plans
Sources: yardbarker.com | yardbarker.com
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has issued a public apology to Dustin Poirier after initially mocking the former interim lightweight champion for discussing his depression and mental health struggles. The apology came after a private conversation between the two fighters.
Poirier appeared on The Diary of a CEO podcast earlier this week to address his Father’s Day arrest at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. During the interview, he revealed that years of battling alcohol abuse, unresolved issues with his father, and depression led to the emotional breakdown and intoxication that preceded his confrontation with airport staff and police.
The Louisiana native also said he is currently undergoing therapy to work through these struggles. He disclosed that the arrest cost him financially and resulted in the loss of several sponsorships.
Strickland initially responded with criticism on social media, suggesting that male depression wasn’t real and telling Poirier to “shut the f–k up” because he was “rich” and “successful.” The middleweight champion said he thought Poirier was “just doing PR clean up.”
🚨 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 Change of Heart
After speaking directly with Poirier, Strickland posted a new message on X apologizing for his earlier comments. “I spoke to Dustin, and he is legitimately messed up by his actions,” Strickland wrote.
“I thought he was just doing PR clean up tbh.. I guess not everyone is a POS like me lol,” he continued. “So yeah, I repent, and I am sorry, Dustin.”
Strickland also urged Bud Light to support Poirier during this difficult time. “Hope Bud Light does the right thing with this one. He deserves the help,” the champion wrote.
Poirier became an official Bud Light brand ambassador in March 2024 after his win over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299. He has been regularly featured in promotional campaigns for both Bud Light and the UFC since then.
Neither Poirier nor Bud Light has officially confirmed ending their partnership. However, Strickland’s post suggests the beer company may have been one of the sponsors who dropped Poirier following his arrest.
This isn’t the first time Strickland has publicly reversed his position. He previously had a heated rivalry with Khamzat Chimaev before their UFC 328 fight, but apologized to Chimaev immediately after winning the bout.
Strickland later admitted he manufactured the animosity to promote their title fight. He apologized for crossing the line with comments about Chimaev’s religion and homeland.
Calls for Better Fighter Support
The incident has sparked broader discussions about mental health support for UFC fighters. Former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt, who faces Adrian Yanez at UFC 329 this week, called on the UFC to provide better healthcare and retirement benefits.
“I wish the UFC would do a little bit more to help us with that, health care, insurance, a 401(k), because it’s scary to leave something that’s secure, something you’ve chased your whole life,” Garbrandt told MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn. He explained that when fighting careers end, the paychecks and sponsorships stop, and fighters lose the adrenaline of chasing their goals.
The UFC’s current healthcare program mainly covers injuries sustained during official competition, reportedly spending up to $50,000 for top fighters. However, injuries sustained outside the Octagon, such as during training camp, are not covered.
UFC fighters compete as independent contractors rather than employees, which means they don’t receive retirement benefits like a 401(k). This applies to all fighters, including veterans like Poirier who have had long careers with the promotion.
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Garbrandt expressed sympathy for Poirier during his interview with MMA Junkie. “I feel for Dustin, man,” Garbrandt said. “People are just ridiculing him in the media for one slip-up he’s had.”
He pointed to Poirier’s charitable foundation work and the positive impact he has had on people from Louisiana. Garbrandt said Poirier has “motivated so many people” through his UFC career and community involvement.
Strickland himself previously admitted to struggling with mental health issues two years ago, despite being a UFC champion. In an Instagram video, he revealed feeling “mentally unwell” despite having fame and wealth, saying he felt “like a danger to people” during particularly difficult periods.
