Dustin Poirier was arrested for public drunkenness in Georgia on Father’s Day, June 21, 2026. The 37-year-old former UFC interim lightweight champion was booked into the Clayton County Jail at 6:38 PM and was released later that evening at 10:15 PM. In Georgia, public drunkenness is a misdemeanor charge that carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine upon conviction.
Poirier addressed the situation on Monday afternoon by sharing a brief personal message to his fans via his Instagram Story. “Love you all, I’m working on myself,” Poirier wrote. The statement comes after the fighter previously publicly committed to sobriety following his retirement from mixed martial arts competition last year.
Former UFC fighter Ben Askren provided context to the incident by sharing a video clip on social media that showed the events at the airport. The footage showed Poirier roughhousing with individuals at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Askren indicated that the situation was lighthearted. “He was having a good time at the airport. Wrestled some of my friends,” Askren wrote on X.
Poirier had recently discussed a potential return to the Octagon, specifically flirting with the idea of a fourth bout against Conor McGregor. His career highlights include victories over McGregor, Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, and King Green, alongside three undisputed UFC title bids. His brief social media post is his only public statement regarding the arrest.