Dustin Poirier Arrested for Public Drunkenness on Father's Day: Breaks Silence

Former UFC champion Dustin Poirier had a Father's Day to forget this year. Poirier, who retired from the sport in July 2025 after 16 years as a professional fighter, was arrested Sunday evening for public drunkenness.

TMZ first reported news of Poirier's arrest, which occurred in Georgia. The 37-year-old was booked as ""public drunk," a misdemeanor, at 6:38 p.m. ET before being released a little after 10 p.m.

Poirier issues first public comments

If convicted of public drunkenness, Poirier faces up to a year in jail and/or a fine. The father of two broke his silence on the matter in an Instagram story post Monday afternoon.

"Love you all I'm working on my self," Poirier wrote.

According to a tweet from former mixed martial artist Ben Askren, Poirier was "having a good time at the airport" where he "wrestled" some of Askren's friends prior to his arrest.

He was having a good time at the airport. Wrestled some of my friends https://t.co/D1GMLNsEmcpic.twitter.com/Hi4R5U0i5N

— Funky (@Benaskren) June 22, 2026

Poirier apparently still acclimating to retirement

A featherweight and lightweight, Poirier was one of the top fighters of his era, posting a 30-10 mark, which included an interim UFC Lightweight Championship and wins over Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje and Benoit St. Denis.

Back in January, Poirier admitted in an interview with journalist Ariel Helwani that while he did not have a drinking problem and had recently completed a 40-day sobriety challenge, being newly retired was causing him to consume more alcohol than he wanted.

"I had retired and had so much time on my hands, and I'm always battling something in my mind," Poirier told Helwani. "I've always drank alcohol growing up, but it was celebratory - vacation, get-togethers, things like that. Now I'm retired, and I'm sitting at home, and I can have a drink every day. I don't have to wake up and run miles, I don't have to wake up and go to the gym, or be somewhere. I just wanted to pull back from drinking."

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 2:53 PM.