Dustin Poirier has opened up about the emotional struggles that led to his recent airport arrest, revealing that thoughts about his homeless father and his own battle with depression weighed heavily on him before the incident.
The former UFC interim lightweight champion shared his story during an appearance on The Diary of a CEO, while continuing to accept responsibility for his actions.
Poirier reflects on complicated relationship with his father
Poirier spoke candidly about his father’s long history of alcohol abuse and the lasting impact it has had on their family.
“He’s ruined his marriages, he’s ruined his relationships, he’s ruined his friendships, he’s ruined his relationship with his family,”
“He’s been in jail plenty of times for alcohol-related stuff.”
Poirier explained that those thoughts stayed with him while traveling on Father’s Day.
“I tried to help him, and he’s back on the street. It’s like he almost doesn’t want help.”
The former title challenger admitted he was already in a difficult mental state before deciding to drink, despite knowing it was the wrong choice.
“On Father’s Day, I was traveling to work, and I just couldn’t stop thinking about my father, and I started drinking at the airport, and that’s what led to the incident.”
“Not that my father or anything is an excuse – obviously, I did what I did. But I knew better in the moment when I’m feeling like that to drink.”
Poirier avoids watching arrest footage as sponsors begin to leave
Poirier said he has no plans to watch the footage of his arrest, believing it would only make it harder to move forward.
“To see myself in that condition, disrespecting police officers, disrespecting workers at the airport, disrespecting myself, disrespecting my family, I just don’t feel like it’s going to benefit me seeing that… I didn’t watch the video at all.”
He also revealed that he removed himself from social media shortly after the incident.
“Every day passing, I’m able to piece a little bit more together and make memories,… deleted all of my social media.”
The consequences have already extended beyond public criticism, with Poirier confirming that the incident has affected him financially.
“One big one isn’t a sponsor anymore. I’m sure I’ve lost a few… It cost me a lot of money, too.”
Dustin Poirier responds to Jon Jones’ support after recent arrest
Dustin Poirier also acknowledged the support he received from fellow UFC fighters following his recent arrest, but the former interim lightweight champion made it clear that he is taking full responsibility for what happened.
Jones recently defended Poirier after the Louisiana native was arrested for public drunkenness by the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia.
“He didn’t hurt anybody.”
“You know, he was drunk. We’ve all been drunk. Alcohol makes you do silly things. It’s important for him to forgive himself and just keep moving forward.”
Poirier revealed he had not personally seen Jones’ remarks because he deleted his social media accounts after the incident. Instead, he learned about them through a close friend.
“My buddy, Kyle, he told me that Jon Jones came out and said something, and it was positive,”
“It’s all on me”
Although he appreciated the encouragement, Poirier stressed that he is not looking for excuses or asking anyone to justify his actions.
“I appreciate everybody, but I’m not looking for sympathy or to make this OK. It’s not OK. It’s not.”
“I did that. I decided to drink that day when I wasn’t feeling well. It’s all on me.”