Strickland Apologises To Poirier After Controversial Comments

Sean Strickland mocked Dustin Poirier's depression admission, but has now issued an apology.

The sequence began with Poirier's first public comments since his arrest for public intoxication at Atlanta International Airport last month. The former UFC lightweight contender, who retired after losing to Max Holloway at UFC 318 last year, opened up about what the months since have looked like — alcoholism, depression, a loss of the structure that professional fighting had provided for most of his adult life.

The airport arrest, which carries a misdemeanor charge that could result in up to a year in jail and a fine if he is convicted, was the public manifestation of a private struggle he had not spoken about previously. Strickland's initial reaction was dismissive.

The UFC middleweight champion questioned the sincerity of Poirier's admission, framing it as public relations management from a wealthy man looking to control a damaging narrative. Sean has now had a change of opinion.

"I spoke to Dustin and he is legitimately messed up by his actions. I thought he was just doing PR clean up to be honest. I guess not everyone is a piece of s--- like me. So yeah, I repent and I am sorry Dustin. Hope Bud Light does the right thing with this one. He deserves the help,” Strickland

Poirier's situation carries a particular weight for anyone who followed his career. He spent nearly fifteen years in the UFC as one of the division's most reliable and respected fighters, competing at the highest level until the very end. The loss to Holloway was his final fight, and the transition out of professional competition has clearly been harder than expected. Depression and alcoholism following retirement are not uncommon among fighters who have spent their entire adult lives in a highly structured environment built around physical purpose.