Sean Strickland apologizes to Dustin Poirier for denouncing post-arrest comments: ‘I guess not everyone is a POS like me’

Sean Strickland has issued a public apology to Dustin Poirier after initially criticizing the retired UFC champion over an incident in July that resulted in Poirier's arrest for public intoxication at an Atlanta airport.

Poirier was removed from a flight and had an altercation with police following the incident, which was captured on video and circulated online. The former interim lightweight champion subsequently apologized and expressed gratitude toward the officer involved, acknowledging shame over his behavior.

Strickland, typically unfiltered in his social media commentary, responded by attacking Poirier's response to the arrest, writing dismissively about his excuses and calling him selfish. However, after claiming he spoke directly with Poirier and came to understand the emotional toll the incident had taken, Strickland reversed course.

"I spoke to Dustin and he is legitimately messed up by his actions," Strickland wrote, apologizing and acknowledging that not everyone handles adversity the way he does. He added a lighthearted jab hoping Poirier wouldn't lose his Bud Light sponsorship.

The exchange carries particular irony given Strickland's own public struggles with mental health. The two-time UFC middleweight champion has previously discussed his own depression despite achieving wealth and fame, stating in March 2024 that despite having everything he'd wanted, he remained mentally unwell. Poirier, 37, retired from competition in July 2025 following a loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318 and has indicated no immediate return to fighting, though he's acknowledged the appeal of competing again.