Buckley Threatens Poirier After Racial Slur Arrest

UFC welterweight Joaquin Buckley has challenged Dustin Poirier to a face-to-face confrontation after the former lightweight contender was arrested for public intoxication and reportedly used a racial slur during the incident at an Atlanta airport.

Poirier, who retired at UFC 318 last year, was taken into custody following an altercation with a responding police officer. According to BJPenn.com, he faces a court appearance in the coming months with up to a year in prison if convicted. Buckley responded in a video posted to Instagram, describing Poirier as someone who appropriates aspects of Black culture while using slurs. "Pull up and do something," Buckley said in the clip, per MMA Fighting.

Poirier Fires Back At Buckley's Challenge

Poirier spotted Buckley's remarks and fired back in the Instagram comments. "Tryna get some views? Shut up or kill me!" the Louisiana native wrote. Buckley escalated in a follow-up video, referencing Poirier's well-documented past struggles with mental health and daring him to meet in person. "When I see you, let's have that conversation," Buckley said, adding that he would let Poirier swing first but promised to land the first clean shot.

Buckley announced after his recent loss to Mike Malott at UFC Edmonton that he plans to retire following one more fight, a promise he made to his grandmother. The welterweight has not named Poirier as that final opponent, but the feud has drawn attention across social media. Poirier has not fought since his retirement and has not publicly addressed whether he would consider returning to settle the dispute.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Joaquin Buckley threatens Dustin Poirier over use of racial slurs