Poirier accuses Buckley of chasing views as Strickland posts sparring knockdown

A social media dispute between Joaquin Buckley, Dustin Poirier, and Sean Strickland intensified on Wednesday after Buckley’s criticism of both UFC fighters over their use of racial slurs drew sharp responses from each man.

Buckley had initially directed his attention at Poirier, who was arrested in June on suspicion of public intoxication at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Poirier subsequently apologised for his behaviour, but Buckley questioned the sincerity of that apology and challenged the former interim lightweight champion to address the matter in person.

Poirier’s reply was blunt. “Tryna get some views? Shut up or kill me!” he wrote.

Buckley did not back down. In a follow-up video, he acknowledged that his criticism had generated attention and doubled down on his challenge to Poirier. “I like this comment right here. It did what it needed to do. It got your attention. It got views,” Buckley said, before warning Poirier against escalating the situation physically. “When I see you, let’s have that conversation. And if you don’t want to talk, you take the first swing — but I promise you I’ll get the first hit, though.”

Buckley also made a pointed reference to Poirier’s previously disclosed mental health struggles, telling him not to “put a charge” on him over the confrontation.

Strickland’s involvement stemmed from a separate incident in which Buckley was filmed confronting the middleweight champion about his use of a racial slur at a promotional event. Rather than respond verbally, Strickland posted old sparring footage showing himself knocking Buckley down during a training session.

The exchange has drawn significant attention within the MMA community, touching on issues of accountability, public conduct, and the boundaries of trash talk between active fighters.