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Dustin Poirier, the former UFC champion, was denied boarding for a Delta flight at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport before he was arrested for public drunkenness Sunday, June 21, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
Officers responded about 4:50 p.m. ET regarding a dispute involving an intoxicated male passenger who had been denied boarding for a flight from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, according to a news release issued by the police department Tuesday, June 23.
Poirier, 37, was visibly agitated, yelling profanities at Delta staff and acting aggressively toward officers, according to the news release.
"The primary responding officer recognized Mr. Poirier from his professional fighting background and requested additional units due to his combative behavior," the news release reads. "After repeated verbal outbursts and an aggressive stance toward officers, Poirier stated, 'If you want to arrest me, then go ahead.'"
At that point, according to the news release, Poirier was taken into custody without further incident and transported to Clayton County Jail.
Poirier, 37, was out on bond Sunday, June 21 and had a court hearing scheduled for 11 a.m.
The Atlanta Police Department also released video of the incident that took place at the airport.
Poirier directed profanities at two women and a man at the Delta gate where Poirier had been denied boarding onto the plane.
"I’ll fight you right now," Poirier told the man who could be heard but not seen on the video.
"No, I don’t want to fight, bro," the man replied.
"I’ll go with you right now," Poirier said, taking off his backpack.
Poirier continued to ask if the man wanted to fight as the man backed away and appeared to radio for help.
When police arrive, Poirier tells an officer to arrest him. Poirier is arrested and does resist.
Poirier won the interim lightweight championship in 2019 and retired last year with a record of 30-10 (22-9 UFC).
His final bout came against longtime rival Max Holloway in July 2025 with the "BMF" belt on the line. It was a trilogy fight between the two stalwarts and Holloway prevailed in the five-round fight by unanimous decision. Poirier officially retired after the fight.
Though Poirier failed to win the undisputed lightweight title, he racked up many significant victories, including two over Conor McGregor while also beating Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez and Holloway.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dustin Poirier yelled profanities, acted aggressively before arrest
Continue reading...
Officers responded about 4:50 p.m. ET regarding a dispute involving an intoxicated male passenger who had been denied boarding for a flight from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, according to a news release issued by the police department Tuesday, June 23.
Poirier, 37, was visibly agitated, yelling profanities at Delta staff and acting aggressively toward officers, according to the news release.
"The primary responding officer recognized Mr. Poirier from his professional fighting background and requested additional units due to his combative behavior," the news release reads. "After repeated verbal outbursts and an aggressive stance toward officers, Poirier stated, 'If you want to arrest me, then go ahead.'"
At that point, according to the news release, Poirier was taken into custody without further incident and transported to Clayton County Jail.
Poirier, 37, was out on bond Sunday, June 21 and had a court hearing scheduled for 11 a.m.
The Atlanta Police Department also released video of the incident that took place at the airport.
Poirier directed profanities at two women and a man at the Delta gate where Poirier had been denied boarding onto the plane.
"I’ll fight you right now," Poirier told the man who could be heard but not seen on the video.
"No, I don’t want to fight, bro," the man replied.
"I’ll go with you right now," Poirier said, taking off his backpack.
Poirier continued to ask if the man wanted to fight as the man backed away and appeared to radio for help.
When police arrive, Poirier tells an officer to arrest him. Poirier is arrested and does resist.
Poirier won the interim lightweight championship in 2019 and retired last year with a record of 30-10 (22-9 UFC).
His final bout came against longtime rival Max Holloway in July 2025 with the "BMF" belt on the line. It was a trilogy fight between the two stalwarts and Holloway prevailed in the five-round fight by unanimous decision. Poirier officially retired after the fight.
Though Poirier failed to win the undisputed lightweight title, he racked up many significant victories, including two over Conor McGregor while also beating Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez and Holloway.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dustin Poirier yelled profanities, acted aggressively before arrest
Continue reading...
