Dustin Poirier acknowledges need for help after arrest video

Dustin Poirier says he needs help following his arrest at Atlanta Airport earlier this week.

Police bodycam footage released Tuesday showed the former UFC lightweight contender visibly agitated, yelling at gate agents and trying to confront an officer before being taken into custody for public drunkenness. Poirier had been removed from a flight Sunday night, according to MMA Fighting.

Poirier's Instagram statement addresses alcohol struggle

Hours after the video surfaced, Poirier wrote on Instagram that he has reached a turning point. "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," he posted. "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."

Poirier retired last year after losing to Max Holloway at UFC 318 in New Orleans. He told Full Send MMA in a recent interview that adapting to life outside the octagon has been difficult, saying he is "a danger to myself" when not working toward a goal or improving his family's situation.

Since stepping away from competition, Poirier has trained fighters at American Top Team, worked UFC broadcasts, and appeared on the UFC on Paramount show Deep Waters. He is scheduled to continue those media commitments through the summer.

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• MMA Fighting — Dustin Poirier responds to arrest video: ‘I’m at the point where I need some help’