Sean Strickland apologizes to Dustin Poirier for mocking his depression

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has apologized to Dustin Poirier after initially mocking the former interim champion's recent struggles with depression and alcoholism.

Poirier was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after an incident involving threats toward a police officer while intoxicated. The Diamond has since spoken publicly about his mental health challenges and expressed genuine remorse for his actions. Strickland, initially skeptical that Poirier's openness was merely damage control, changed his position after speaking directly with him. "I spoke to Dustin and he is legitimately messed up by his actions," Strickland wrote on X. "I thought he was just doing PR clean up tbh.. I guess not everyone is a POS like me lol. So yeah I repent and I am sorry Dustin."

Strickland also publicly urged Poirier's sponsors to stand by him. With several companies having already severed ties following the arrest, the UFC champion called on Bud Light to maintain its partnership, framing sponsorship retention as an opportunity for the brand to demonstrate loyalty during a difficult time for an athlete struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.