UFC fighter Dustin Poirier has acknowledged grappling with alcohol issues following his arrest on a misdemeanor charge of public drunkenness at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.
Poirier shared on Instagram that he is seeking help, stating, '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.' He added that alcohol has impacted his father's life and he is determined not to let it affect his own family.
Footage released by Atlanta police on Sunday depicted an agitated Poirier verbally confronting a police officer and gesturing towards flight attendants. At one point, the officer reached for what appeared to be his taser. Poirier issued threats, stating, 'You gonna tase me, dog? I'm gonna bang you up.'
However, upon the arrival of a second officer, Poirier's demeanor reportedly shifted. After stating he should be arrested, he offered congratulations to the officer he had been confronting.
Poirier, a former UFC Interim Lightweight champion, retired last year. He recently spoke about the challenges of adjusting to life after fighting, telling Full Send MMA, 'Some days I'm great, some days I'm not so good. It's up and down honestly. If I'm not working towards something or trying to better my family, I'm a danger to myself.' Poirier is widely recognized for his significant victories in the lightweight division, including wins against Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, and Eddie Alvarez.