Retired UFC star Dustin Poirier has publicly acknowledged that he is struggling with alcohol and needs help following his recent arrest for public drunkenness at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The 37-year-old former interim lightweight champion was taken into custody on Father's Day after he was removed from a Delta Air Lines flight.

Police body camera footage obtained by various media outlets shows a visibly agitated Poirier engaged in a heated confrontation with law enforcement and airport personnel. The video captures the MMA veteran using profanity and challenging an officer to fight, escalating the situation near Gate D36 shortly before 5 p.m. .

Poirier’s Statement on Instagram

Following the release of the bodycam footage, Poirier took to his Instagram Story to issue a candid statement about his current state of mind. He admitted that his transition from fighting has been more difficult than anticipated and that alcohol has become a problematic coping mechanism.

"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," Poirier wrote. He further revealed a deeply personal motivation for change, stating, "It has ruined my father's life and I will not allow it to ruin mine, my family deserve me at 100%" .

The Louisiana native also expressed his commitment to recovery, adding, "I'm trying to do everything I can to get my mind right and take the right next steps" . This message followed an earlier brief social media post in which he told fans, "Love you all. I'm working on myself" .

Details of the Arrest and Video Footage

The bodycam footage reveals that Poirier was initially removed from the flight, which he acknowledged with frustration. "Yeah, pulled me off the plane, all my boys went to the crib," he can be heard stating. When an officer asked to confirm his identity as "Dustin Poirier," the fighter responded angrily with profanity directed at the officer and flight attendants .

At one point, Poirier squared up to an officer and said, "I'll fight you right now. I'll go with you right now. Let's go," warning that "It's going to be bad" . The responding officer, who recognized Poirier from his professional fighting background, called for additional units due to his combative behavior . When the officer appeared to reach for a taser, Poirier asked, "You gonna tase me, dog?" .

The incident concluded on a more peaceful note. After his outburst, Poirier stated, "If you want to arrest me, then go ahead," and was taken into custody without further incident . In a surprising turn captured on video, Poirier then fist-bumped the officer and told him, "You did a great job, you did what you could" .

Legal Consequences

Poirier was transported to Clayton County Jail and charged with public intoxication, which is classified as a misdemeanor in Georgia . If convicted, the charge carries potential penalties of up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both . The fighter was later released on bail.

Challenges of Retirement

Poirier, who retired from mixed martial arts in 2025 following a loss to Max Holloway, has previously spoken about the challenges of adjusting to life outside the cage. In a separate statement, he reflected on the difficulty of finding purpose without the structure of a fight camp .

He mentioned to a media outlet that since retiring, "some days I'm great, some days I'm not so good," and acknowledged that "If I'm not working towards something or trying to better my family, I'm a danger to myself" . This recurring theme of struggling with downtime highlights the psychological toll that sudden retirement can take on elite athletes who have been defined by their competitive pursuits.

A Legacy at a Crossroads

Poirier remains one of the most respected figures in UFC history, known for his battles against Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Max Holloway, and Eddie Alvarez. He also garnered significant respect for his charitable work through The Good Fight Foundation, which supports children and families in his home state of Louisiana .

While his in-cage accomplishments are secure, this incident has prompted public discussion about his well-being. His candid admission of needing help suggests he is confronting this challenge directly. The MMA community continues to watch closely as one of the sport's most beloved fighters navigates the next chapter of his life.