UFC’s Dustin Poirier admitted he is struggling with alcoholism in a post shared Tuesday on his Instagram page.
The famous mixed martial artist posted a raw, honest statement acknowledging his issues and the requirement for professional assistance.
“I’m at the point where I need some help,” he admitted. “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 deserves me at 100%.”
Poirier retired from the ring in July 2025 following a loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318.
Just days prior to the admission, police arrested the UFC star for public intoxication at the Hartsfield-Jackson airport near Atlanta.
On Father’s Day, authorities reportedly removed him from the aircraft. It’s unclear exactly what happened on the plane, but TMZ shared police bodycam footage that showed the fighter in an aggressive exchange with airport staff and a police officer who was attempting to deescalate the situation.
The video showed Poirier shouting, “Let’s go, big dog. Let’s go, big dog. What’s up? Buncha hoes. Let’s go. Let’s go. Fuckin’ lying motherfucker.”
He continued, “Yeah, pulled me off the plane, all my boys went to the fuckin’ crib. Now, what the fuck?” Poirier said, before challenging people to fight.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 19: Dustin Poirier of the United States leaves the octagon after losing to Max Holloway of the United States by unanimous decision after their lightweight bout during UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier 3 at the Smoothie King Center on July 19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
“Man, fuck you and fuck her and fuck her. I’ll fight you right now,” Poirier said, while getting in the face of what appeared to be an official from the airport.
The official repeatedly told Poirier he didn’t want to fight, and walked backward while calling for help. At one point he held a taser toward the fighter, who continued to challenge him.
Poirier could face up to one year in jail if convicted.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 19: Dustin Poirier of the United States (L) strikes Max Holloway of the United States during their lightweight bout during UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier 3 at the Smoothie King Center on July 19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
The star fighter ended his social media statement by recognizing that he needs to make a change, and vowing to get help.
“I’m trying to do everything I can to get my mind right and take the right next steps,” he wrote. (RELATED: Bailey Zimmerman Issues Apology, Takes Ownership Of Alleged Behavior Triggering Arrest Warrant)
Poirier has an outstanding 30-10 (and one “no contest”) professional MMA record. He won the UFC Interim Lightweight Champion title in 2019 and ha a total 22 UFC victories. He’s tied at 7th for the most wins ever in UFC history.