Dustin Poirier was arrested on June 21 at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The former UFC champion was denied boarding for a Delta flight from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
What happened?
The Atlanta Police Department apprehended Poirier for being drunk and disorderly in public and resisting arrest around 4:50 PM.
Why it matters for Dustin Poirier
Poirier, 37, tried to fight off officers who attempted to take him into custody. A viral video shows the UFC legend visibly agitated and screaming profanities at airline employees and fellow passengers.
What comes next?
Dustin Poirier was later released from Clayton County Jail on the same day on bond and appeared before the local court the following morning. He responded to the viral video, stating he is working on himself.
The MMA fighter retired from MMA last July after a 16-year career, defeating the likes of Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Max Holloway. He made his UFC debut in 2011 and won 22 out of 32 fights in both heavyweight and lightweight divisions.
Dustin Poirier has made multiple appearances on the UFC broadcasts as an analyst and has done extensive charity work across his home state, Louisiana, particularly for underprivileged children. According to the BBC, public intoxication is a misdemeanor in the U.S. state of Georgia and carries up to a year in prison or $1,000 in fines, or both.
The viral video circulating online shows the bodycam footage of the arresting officer. Dustin Poirier could be seen threatening and challenging him to a “fight.” When asked if he was Dustin Poirier, the former UFC star replied with, “Man, f**k you, bro.”
As the officer tried to calm him down, Poirier was heard saying, along with a bunch of other expletives: “I'll fight you right now.” When the officer turned him down, Poirier further said: “I’ll go with you right now. Are you going to tase me?”
Later, he fist-bumped another cop who was filming the incident separately, telling him: “You did a great job, you did what you could.” Dustin was eventually handcuffed and escorted out of the airport.
Following his release, Dustin Poirier issued a statement via Instagram. “Love you all. I am working on myself.” In a follow-up Story, he further explained: “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.” On June 21, Poirier's life took a dramatic turn, and now he's focused on his well-being.