Police said the retired UFC fighter was denied boarding before officers took him to Clayton County Jail.
ATLANTA, GA — Retired UFC fighter Dustin Poirier was arrested Sunday at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after police said he became disruptive near a Delta gate and threatened to fight an officer.
The arrest became public after Atlanta police released body camera video from the gate area, where officers responded to a dispute involving an intoxicated passenger. Poirier, 37, was charged with public intoxication, a misdemeanor. Police said he was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Clayton County Jail. The video drew wide attention because Poirier was one of the UFC’s best-known lightweight fighters before retiring in 2025.
According to an Atlanta Police Department report, officers were called around 4:50 p.m. June 21 to Delta Gate D36 for a dispute involving a passenger who had been denied boarding Delta Flight 1295. Officers found Poirier yelling profanities at Delta employees and acting aggressively, police said. The responding officer recognized Poirier from his fighting career and requested backup because of what the report described as combative behavior. In the video, Poirier can be heard challenging an officer and saying, “I’ll fight you right now.” Police said he also took an aggressive stance toward officers before telling them, “If you want to arrest me, then go ahead.”
The body camera video shows officers trying to keep space between Poirier and airport workers as the dispute continues near the gate. Poirier appears upset about being removed from the flight and directs anger toward airline employees and officers. At one point, he raises his hands and moves into a fighting stance while speaking to an officer. Reports of the video said an officer displayed a Taser during the encounter, but the situation did not end in a physical struggle. Additional officers arrived, and Poirier later calmed down. Police have not reported any injuries to officers, airline employees or Poirier. The exact reason Delta denied boarding beyond the intoxication allegation has not been fully detailed in public records.
Poirier was booked Sunday evening and released later that night after 10 p.m. He made an initial court appearance Monday morning. Public drunkenness in Georgia can carry up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, though the final outcome depends on the court process. No additional charge tied to assault or obstruction was listed in the reports reviewed by news outlets. The case now moves through local court records, where future filings could show whether Poirier enters a plea, reaches a resolution or faces another hearing date.
Poirier, known as “The Diamond,” retired from mixed martial arts in July 2025 after losing a unanimous decision to Max Holloway at UFC 318 in New Orleans. He ended his career with a 30-10 record and one no contest. He held the interim UFC lightweight title and challenged three times for the undisputed lightweight championship. His résumé includes wins over Holloway, Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez and Anthony Pettis. Since retiring, Poirier has remained connected to the sport through training, media appearances and commentary work.
The airport incident also renewed attention on Poirier’s public comments about life after fighting. After news of the arrest first spread, he posted a brief message on social media saying, “Love you all I’m working on myself.” After the body camera video was released, he wrote that he had reached a point where he needed help. Poirier said walking away from fighting had not been easy and that alcohol was not the answer. He also said alcohol had hurt his father’s life and that he did not want it to hurt his own family.
The video ends with the confrontation largely cooled from its most tense moments. Poirier, who had been yelling earlier in the encounter, is seen speaking more calmly with officers before being taken away. The contrast between the fighter’s public image and the airport footage helped drive national interest in the case. Poirier has long been regarded as one of the most respected fighters of his era, both for his action-heavy bouts and for his charitable work through his foundation.
The case remained active Wednesday, with Poirier out of custody and no reported injuries from the airport encounter. The next public milestone is expected through Clayton County court records as the misdemeanor charge moves forward.
Author note: Last updated June 24, 2026.