Dustin Poirier‘s Father’s Day didn’t go quite as planned. The retired UFC star was arrested Sunday evening in Georgia and booked on a misdemeanor public drunkenness charge. The arrest came just hours after Poirier appeared to be celebrating Father’s Day with his family, reposting a tribute shared by his wife on social media featuring the former fighter with their two children.
Former UFC Star Dustin Poirier Arrested For Public Drunkenness On Father’s Day
According to TMZ, Poirier, who is 37, was taken into custody at approximately 6:38 p.m. before being released later that night around 10:15 p.m. He was charged with public drunkenness, a misdemeanor offense that can carry penalties including fines and potential jail time if convicted.
Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, and authorities have not publicly disclosed what led to the arrest. As of Monday morning, Poirier had already made his initial court appearance.
Neither Poirier nor his representatives have publicly commented on the arrest.
UFC Legend Walked Away From The Sport In 2025
The arrest comes less than a year after Poirier officially retired from mixed martial arts following one of the most accomplished careers in UFC lightweight history.
The Louisiana native fought professionally 41 times, compiling a record of 30 wins, 10 losses, and one no-contest. During his career, he captured the UFC Interim Lightweight Championship and challenged for the undisputed lightweight title on three separate occasions.
Poirier earned victories over some of the biggest names in the sport, including Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Michael Chandler.
His final fight came at UFC 318 in July 2025, when he faced longtime rival Max Holloway for the symbolic BMF championship. Holloway earned a unanimous decision victory, and Poirier left his gloves in the Octagon to signal the end of his fighting career.
Family Played A Major Role In Poirier’s Retirement Decision
Ahead of his last fight, Poirier spoke candidly about the real reason he chose to step away from fighting after nearly two decades in combat sports.
According to the former champion, the decision ultimately came down to his wife and daughter. “Me and my wife have been together for a long time, since before I was fighting, so she’s been on this whole journey with me,” Poirier told NBC News. “She’s been asking me to stop fighting for a long time, and so has my daughter.”
Poirier Said Protecting His Future With His Family Came First
The longtime UFC fan favorite explained that concerns about his long-term health weighed heavily on his mind as he considered retirement. “I want to be there for my family for the long run,” he said. “I want to watch my daughter get married and always be there for her, not just physically, but mentally, too. I want to leave with my faculties. This isn’t good for you. Getting kicked and kneed and punched in the head for 18 years isn’t good for you.”
Poirier married his wife, Jolie Poirier, in 2009 after first meeting as teenagers. The two remained together throughout Poirier’s rise from a young prospect to one of the most respected fighters in mixed martial arts. Over the years, Jolie became a constant presence in his career, often accompanying him to fights and helping manage many of the charitable initiatives that became important to the family.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Parker Noelle Poirier, in 2016.
Poirier Became One Of The Most Respected Fighters Of His Generation
Throughout his UFC career, Poirier developed a reputation as one of the sport’s toughest and most respected competitors.
His trilogy with Conor McGregor became one of the defining rivalries of the modern UFC era, with Poirier winning two of their three meetings. He was also known for his charitable work through The Good Fight Foundation, which helped raise millions of dollars for causes in Louisiana and beyond.
While Poirier never captured the undisputed UFC lightweight title, many fans and fighters viewed him as one of the greatest lightweights of his generation thanks to his longevity, willingness to face elite competition, and memorable performances inside the Octagon.
Now, less than a year into retirement, the former UFC star finds himself making headlines for reasons far removed from fighting.