Dustin Poirier links arrest to father's alcoholism, retirement struggles

Dustin Poirier said his father's history with alcoholism and his own difficulties adjusting to retirement contributed to the drinking incident that led to his arrest last month.

The former UFC lightweight contender, who retired after losing to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 last June, opened up about the personal struggles behind the February arrest, according to ESPN. Poirier has spoken publicly before about his father's substance issues, which shaped his upbringing in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Poirier on retirement and what comes next

Poirier walked away from MMA after a 16-year professional career that included interim lightweight champion status and title challenges across two weight classes. The 36-year-old has not specified whether he plans to return to competition or what his next professional move will be.

Details of the arrest and any charges filed remain unclear. Poirier has not given a timeline for addressing the matter publicly or whether he will seek treatment. His last octagon appearance came in the lightweight title fight against Makhachev at UFC 302 in Newark.

Reported via:

• ESPN MMA — Poirier: Personal struggles led to drinking, arrest