Dustin Poirier: Former UFC star says he needs help after video of arrest

Dustin Poirier says he’s “at a point where I need some help” after being arrested for public drunkenness.

The 37-year-old, who retired from MMA last year after a distinguished 16-year career, was arrested by police in Atlanta, Georgia earlier this week before being released on bail.

In body camera footage of the arrest released by police, an agitated Poirier is seen threatening an officer at an airport after he allegedly kicked him off a flight.

As the officer tried to calm Poirier, the American said “I’m going to fight you right now” and before asking “Are you going to stab me?” The officer removed his Taser.

Poirier later calmed down when another officer came to arrest him, before punching the officer filming the exchange, adding: “You did a great job, all you did.”

In a statement on Instagram, Poirier said he was seeking help after finding life difficult after retiring from the UFC.

“I’m at a point where I need some help, walking away from the war has not been easy for me and alcohol is not the answer,” Poirier wrote.

“It ruined my dad’s life and I’m not going to let it ruin my life, my family deserves me 100%. I’m trying to do everything I can to get my mind right and take the right next steps.”

In Georgia, being drunk in public is a felony punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 (£757), or both.

A former UFC interim lightweight champion, he left the sport last year as one of the most respected athletes to ever step foot inside the octagon.

After making his UFC debut in 2011, Poirier won 22 of 32 fights in the organization and retired as arguably the best fighter to not win an undisputed title.

His glittering resume includes wins over Conor McGregor, Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje while away from the sport. His charity work Helped the lives of children in his home state of Louisiana.

Since retiring, Poirier has appeared regularly as an analyst on UFC broadcasts.