Dustin Poirier has said he is “at the point where I need some help” after being arrested for alleged public drunkenness.
The 37-year-old, who retired from MMA last year following a distinguished 16-year career, was apprehended by police in Atlanta, Georgia earlier this week before being released on bail.
In body camera footage of the arrest released by police, an agitated Poirier can be seen threatening an officer at an airport after alleging he was thrown off a flight.
As the officer tries to calm Poirier down, the American says “I’ll fight you right now” along with a number of expletives, before asking “are you going to tase me?” as the officer removes his taser.
Poirier later calms down as another officer arrives to arrest him, before fist bumping the official who filmed the exchange, adding: “You did a great job, you did what you could.”
In a statement on Instagram, Poirier said he is seeking help after finding life difficult following his retirement from UFC.
“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,” Poirier wrote.
“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.”
In Georgia, public drunkenness is a misdemeanor that carries punishments of up to one year in jail, up to $1,000 (£757) in fines, or both.
A former UFC interim lightweight champion, he left the sport last year as one of the most respected athletes to step inside the octagon.
After making his UFC debut in 2011, Poirier won 22 of 32 fights in the organisation and retired as arguably the best fighter to never win an undisputed title.
His glittering resume included wins over Conor McGregor, Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje, while away from the sport his charity work helped the lives of children in his home state Louisiana.
Since retiring, Poirier has made regular appearances as an analyst on UFC broadcasts.
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