Matt Brown backs Dustin Poirier after arrest, offers post-retirement advice

Former UFC welterweight Matt Brown says Dustin Poirier's recent arrest for public intoxication at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport shouldn't overshadow years of good character, and that one bad night doesn't define the retired lightweight contender.

Poirier was taken into custody after an altercation with police at the Atlanta hub, with bodycam footage showing him challenging an officer to a fight. The former interim champion later released a statement acknowledging he needs help and has struggled since stepping away from competition. Speaking on The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast, as reported by MMA Fighting, Brown said he doesn't view the incident as a major issue given how Poirier has conducted himself throughout his career.

Brown's advice for fighters transitioning out of competition

"We can't let one night define Dustin Poirier," Brown said on the podcast. "Dustin is in the public eye and he's known as a good guy so we see that and it's just so out of character for him. He recognized the problem, said 'I need help.' He accepts it. He knows where he's at. He's going to be fine."

Brown, who retired from the UFC after 15 years, offered two pieces of guidance for Poirier's transition. The first involves being willing to start from scratch in new ventures. Brown recalled opening his own gym expecting immediate crowds based on his name recognition, only to have two people show up the first day. He started cold-calling prospective members himself and built the membership to over 400.

The second recommendation was a book titled As a Man Thinketh by James Allen. Brown said changing internal language and eliminating words like "try" in favor of more definitive statements reshaped how he approached life after fighting. He urged Poirier to seek the help he mentioned needing and predicted the Louisiana native would handle the situation responsibly moving forward.

Brown's full podcast episode is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Poirier has not announced any specific treatment plans since his statement.

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• MMA Fighting — Matt Brown offers Dustin Poirier advice after recent arrest and admitting he’s struggling post-retirement