Retired UFC fighter Dustin Poirier has issued a statement saying “I need some help” after he was arrested at an airport for public drunkenness this week.
Body-camera footage that circulated on social media appeared to show the 37-year-old American inebriated and threatening an officer, as Poirier claimed he had been removed from a flight in Atlanta, Georgia.
In the footage, Poirier can be heard saying, “I’ll fight you right now,” as well as, “Are you going to tase me?” as the officer attempts to calm him down. Later, while being handcuffed, Poirier tells the officer: “You did a great job, you did what you could.”
Poirier was released on bail after his arrest. In Georgia, public drunkenness is a misdemeanour that can result in up to one year in jail, up to $1,000 (£757) in fines, or both.
Reacting to the incident, Poirier wrote on his Instagram story on Tuesday: “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.
“It has ruined my father’s life and I will not allow it to ruin mine, 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.”
The incident follows an interview with Full Send MMA this month, in which Poirier reflected on life after fighting, saying: “I’m trying to navigate it, bro. I’m good. Some days I’m great, some days I’m not so good.
“It’s up and down honestly. Fighting has changed me forever, in good and bad ways. It’s just trying to get into a groove of being a father, being home more, working on things outside fighting.
“It’s really… I’ve got to keep my mind busy. I’m a danger… I’ve said this before, people have heard me say this: 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 retired last July after a loss to old rival Max Holloway, though the former interim champion may be best known for his trilogy of fights with Conor McGregor.
Poirier suffered a knockout loss to the Irishman in 2014 before returning the favour in 2021. Then, later that year, McGregor suffered a broken leg in the first round of their trilogy bout.
Poirier also holds wins over UFC champions Holloway, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez and Anthony Pettis. He remains a fan favourite due to the all-action nature of many of his fights, while he has been commended for his charity work in his home state of Louisiana.
Since retiring from competition, Poirier has remained involved with the UFC as a fight analyst.
