Dustin Poirier arrested for public intoxication at Atlanta airport, seeks help after retirement

Former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier was taken into custody at Atlanta International Airport on Sunday after an incident that police described as public intoxication. The misdemeanor charge carries up to a year in prison and a fine. Poirier, who retired from mixed‑martial‑arts competition in 2025 following a loss to Max Holloway, appeared before an Atlanta court the next day and was released on bond, marking the first criminal record in his career.

In statements posted to social media, Poirier acknowledged that retirement has been difficult and that his relationship with alcohol has become a problem. He said he is “working on myself” and is seeking help to avoid further harm to his family. The incident prompted an outpouring of support from fans and fellow fighters, including a public tweet from former two‑division champion Jon Jones, who wrote, “Keep your head up, life happens… This too shall pass.”