Buckley challenges retired Poirier to answer for airport arrest racial slur

UFC welterweight Joaquin Buckley has issued a direct challenge to retired star Dustin Poirier, condemning the former interim lightweight champion’s behaviour during a public intoxication arrest at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in June and daring him to respond in person.

Poirier was arrested at the Atlanta airport after threatening to fight and directing a racial slur at a police officer. “The Diamond” subsequently acknowledged his conduct and attempted to contact the officer involved to apologise. While the incident drew relatively muted criticism from most corners of the MMA community, Buckley was far less forgiving.

Speaking on Instagram, Buckley zeroed in specifically on Poirier’s treatment of female staff during the altercation, and noted that Poirier’s aggression appeared to dissipate the moment additional police arrived on the scene.

“It was a lot of you that came out that day and the frustration that you had,” Buckley said. “It didn’t have nothing to do with missing the flight, ‘cause you easily could have booked another… If you’re upset, why the black lady’s got to be h*s or some sht… When that other police officer showed up, you sobered up real quick.”

Buckley then turned the challenge directly at Poirier, borrowing the retired fighter’s own words back at him. “Any person that got a problem with what I’m saying, and especially you, Dustin Poirier, if you really want to roll up and do something about it, I promise you this, in your words, quote unquote, ‘It’s gonna be bad for you.’ Pull up and do something, ‘cause I want you to check me like you checked them h**s that you spoke on.”

The rant was also partly triggered by Poirier’s public support of Josh Hokit, and Buckley additionally questioned trainer Din Thomas for backing Poirier in the aftermath of the airport incident.

Buckley’s call-out comes at a difficult point in his own career. The welterweight is currently on a three-fight losing skid and has stated that his next bout will be his last in the sport.