Retired UFC star Dustin Poirier arrested for public drunkenness in Georgia

Dustin Poirier, one of the most decorated lightweights in UFC history, was arrested in Georgia on Sunday evening and booked for public drunkenness. The retired fighter was released after 10 p.m. ET and made an initial court appearance Monday morning. The circumstances surrounding the arrest have not yet been disclosed.

Poirier, 37, retired from professional MMA in July 2025 after losing a unanimous decision to longtime rival Max Holloway in a fight for the BMF title. At the conclusion of the bout, Poirier placed his gloves on the canvas — a widely recognised gesture signalling the end of a career. He finished with a 30-10 (1 NC) record across 41 professional bouts, holding an interim lightweight title and challenging for the undisputed belt on three separate occasions.

Over the course of his UFC tenure, Poirier accumulated wins over a who’s who of the lightweight and featherweight divisions, including two victories each over Holloway and Conor McGregor, as well as notable wins against Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, and Anthony Pettis. Despite publicly expressing that he misses competition, Poirier has given no indication of a comeback.

In Georgia, public drunkenness is a misdemeanour offence that carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.