UFC: Dustin Poirier reflects on infamous arrest; explains decision to avoid watching viral bodycam footage & shares surprising confession about his father
(Courtesy : UFC)
Former UFC star explains the emotional struggles behind the incident.
Former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier has spoken publicly for the first time about his arrest at an Atlanta airport on Father’s Day, offering an emotional explanation for the incident and revealing why he still refuses to watch the bodycam footage.
Poirier was arrested for public intoxication after an altercation involving airport security and Delta Air Lines staff. Video from the incident showed the retired UFC star yelling at airport personnel before being placed in handcuffs and escorted away.
Shortly after his release, Poirier accepted responsibility for his actions in a heartfelt social media statement.
“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.”
Dustin Poirier reveals how Father’s Day triggered the incident
Appearing on the Diary of a CEO podcast, Poirier provided deeper insight into what led to the airport incident and explained how thoughts of his father’s long battle with alcoholism overwhelmed him while traveling.
Describing his father’s struggles, Poirier said addiction had destroyed much of his father’s life.
“If I could paint a picture of what you think of a classic drunk or alcoholic, [he’s] very selfish and continues to go back to it. He’s actually homeless right now.”
Poirier admitted he had tried repeatedly to help his father but struggled with watching him return to the streets.
“Part of that, me getting in trouble at the airport, was I just felt—and it’s not my weight to carry—but I just felt I tried to help him out, and he’s back out on the street. It’s like he almost doesn’t want help.”
He explained that Father’s Day made those emotions even more difficult to process.
“On Father’s Day, I was traveling to work, and I just couldn’t stop thinking about my father. And I started drinking in the airport, and that’s kind of what led to the incident.”
Poirier also admitted he recognized the warning signs but ignored the coping mechanisms he had learned through therapy.
“Years ago, I started going to therapy. And when I started feeling better, I stopped practicing everything I learned through therapy.”
He stressed that his father’s situation was never an excuse for his own behavior.
“I knew in the moment when I’m feeling like that, to drink or have any alcohol has never benefited me, especially in times like that where I’m mentally not the best. Obviously, I did what I did.”
Dustin Poirier says he never wants to watch the bodycam footage
Perhaps the biggest revelation from the interview was Poirier’s admission that he still has not watched the police bodycam footage from his arrest and has no intention of doing so.
“I don’t want to see it.”
He explained that even hearing portions of the footage while his wife watched it in another room was enough for him.
“To see myself in that condition, disrespecting a police officer, disrespecting workers at the airport, disrespecting myself, disrespecting my family. I just don’t feel like it’s gonna benefit me to see that.
If anything, I think it’s gonna bring me down, and I’m gonna keep thinking about it. I, like I said, for the most part, understand what happened, know what happened. I don’t need to see it again.”
Instead, Poirier said he pieced together what happened through conversations with his wife and one of his closest training partners.
The retired fighter also revealed he removed social media from his phone immediately after posting his public apology.
“I got home, I posted that on Instagram, then I uninstalled all social media off my phone. So I haven’t, since Father’s Day or the day after Father’s Day, I haven’t been on anything. I know they’re making fun. I know they’re talking about me.
Obviously, I’ve been in the light with being a professional athlete for a long time. I know how this goes. So I just uninstalled all my stuff. I haven’t seen any of the clips, any of the videos, any of the anything, besides what my wife and my buddy are telling me.”
The candid interview offered one of the most honest looks yet into Poirier’s life after retirement. Rather than avoiding responsibility, the former UFC star openly discussed his struggles with grief, depression and alcohol while outlining his commitment to therapy and rebuilding his life beyond fighting.
Why was Dustin Poirier arrested?
Dustin Poirier was arrested for public intoxication following an incident involving airport security and Delta Air Lines staff on Father’s Day.
Why hasn’t Dustin Poirier watched the bodycam footage?
He said watching himself in that condition would not help his recovery and believes he already understands what happened through his wife and close friends.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Blesson Daniel is a sub-editor who spends his days organizing words and managing social media, crafting bursts of creativity designed to make people smile. He occasionally dives into writing as well — whether it’s crafting articles, brainstorming ideas, or finding the perfect caption. Believing that every piece of writing offers an opportunity to tell a story, Blesson brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every project he takes on. When he’s not glued to his laptop, Blesson is likely planning his next travel adventure or losing himself in music. A passionate explorer of new places, sounds, and ideas, he believes in balancing work, play, and a good playlist in the background. Whether he’s editing, writing, or daydreaming about his next trip, Blesson is always chasing that sweet spot where creativity and curiosity collide to create something memorable.