Strickland apologises to Poirier after admitting he misjudged post-arrest criticism

Sean Strickland has publicly apologised to Dustin Poirier after admitting he was wrong to dismiss the retired lightweight’s remorse over a viral airport arrest as a publicity stunt.

Poirier was arrested over the July 4 weekend at an Atlanta airport after an intoxicated altercation with a police officer, having been removed from a flight. Footage of the incident spread widely online, and Poirier subsequently issued an apology, expressing gratitude for how the officer handled the situation and shame over his own behaviour.

Strickland’s initial reaction on social media was sharp. He told Poirier he was “not allowed to be depressed” and called him “a selfish [piece of shit]” — comments that drew attention partly because Strickland himself has spoken openly about his own mental health struggles. In a March 2024 Instagram video, the two-time UFC middleweight champion said: “I have everything — I’m rich, I’m famous. Like, I have everything I’ve ever f** wanted, and I still am mentally unwell.”

After speaking with Poirier directly, Strickland changed his position. “I spoke to Dustin and he is legitimately messed up by his actions,” Strickland wrote on Twitter. “I thought he was just doing PR clean up tbh… I guess not everyone is a POS like me. So yeah, I repent and I am sorry Dustin.”

Strickland also said he hopes Poirier does not lose his Bud Light sponsorship as a result of the incident.

Poirier, 37, retired from MMA in July 2025 following a loss to longtime rival Max Holloway at UFC 318. While he has made no formal indication of a comeback, he has acknowledged in several interviews that the idea of fighting again still crosses his mind.