UFC icon Dustin Poirier has said his contract with the beer brand Bud Light was “terminated immediately”, after he was arrested for public drunkenness at an airport in June.
Body-camera footage that circulated on social media appeared to show the 37-year-old American inebriated and threatening an officer, as Poirier claimed he had been removed from a flight in Atlanta, Georgia.
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In the footage, the retired UFC fighter can be heard saying, “I’ll fight you right now,” as well as, “Are you going to tase me?” as the officer attempts to calm him down. Later, while being handcuffed, Poirier tells the officer: “You did a great job, you did what you could.”
Poirier was released on bail after his arrest, before apologising for his behaviour and admitting he needs “help” with his relationship with alcohol.
Dustin Poirier was arrested at an airport for public drunkenness (Getty)
Now, Poirier has opened up on the consequences of the episode, telling journalist Ariel Helwani: “[Bud Light] terminated my contract immediately.
“It’s all good. I don’t need that f***ing poison in my life. It sucks that my family loses out on the money I had left on the deal with them, which is a few hundred thousand dollars.
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“But also, if I’m representing something, if I’m advertising something that I’m not going to be taking part in, promoting stuff… it’s just, it is what it is.”
“There are plenty of people out there who do drink responsibly; I’m not one. So, if you can drink responsibly, have fun – drink a Bud Light, drink whatever the hell you want. Be responsible, have a good time. I’m not that person.”
The Independent has approached Bud Light for comment.
After his arrest, Poirier, who retired from competition in July 2025, wrote on Instagram: “I’m at the point where I need some help, walking away from fighting hasn’t been easy on me and alcohol isn’t the answer.
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“It has ruined my father’s life and I will not allow it to ruin mine, my family deserve me at 100%. I’m trying to do everything I can to get my mind right and take the right next steps.”
The incident followed an interview with Full Send MMA earlier in June, in which Poirier reflected on life after fighting, saying: “I’m trying to navigate it, bro. I’m good. Some days I’m great, some days I’m not so good.
“It’s up and down honestly. Fighting has changed me forever, in good and bad ways. It’s just trying to get into a groove of being a father, being home more, working on things outside fighting.
Poirier’s final fight was a points loss to Max Holloway (Getty)
“It’s really… I’ve got to keep my mind busy. I’m a danger… I’ve said this before, people have heard me say this: I’m a danger if I don’t have anything circled on my calendar, if I’m not working towards something. If I’m not trying to better myself or my family, I’m a danger to myself.”
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Poirier retired after a loss to old rival Max Holloway, though the former interim champion may be best known for his trilogy of fights with Conor McGregor.
Poirier suffered a knockout loss to the Irishman in 2014 before returning the favour in 2021. Then, later that year, McGregor suffered a broken leg in the first round of their trilogy bout.
Poirier also holds wins over UFC champions Holloway, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez and Anthony Pettis. He remains a fan favourite due to the all-action nature of many of his fights, while he has been commended for his charity work in his home state of Louisiana.
Since retiring from competition, Poirier has remained involved with the UFC as a fight analyst.
