Poirier Returns To The Desk Despite Arrest Fallout

Dustin Poirier will return to the broadcast desk this weekend at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas — his first Paramount+ assignment since his arrest for public intoxication at Atlanta International Airport on Father's Day.

Poirier, who retired from MMA following a loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318, will join anchor Din Thomas and former UFC fighter Alan Jouban for mid-event and post-fight segments at UFC Vegas 120.

The return comes amid ongoing legal uncertainty. Poirier faces up to a year in prison and a fine if convicted of the misdemeanour charge. Bud Light terminated his sponsorship contract immediately following the arrest, and his long-term future as an analyst remains unclear depending on how the court case plays out. Paramount have kept his desk role intact for now.

Poirier's comeback to broadcasting also arrives the same week that fellow analyst Anthony Smith was arrested in Nebraska on domestic violence charges, including allegedly threatening to kill his wife. Smith faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. UFC Vegas 120 is headlined by a lightweight bout between Mateusz Gamrot — a former teammate of Poirier's — and surging contender Quillan Salkilld.