Story By Joseph Golder
News Editor Ajda Ender
This is the moment a retired mixed martial arts star threatens to fight a police officer and curses at airport staff after he was removed from a flight.
Bodycam footage shows retired mixed martial arts fighter Dustin Poirier confronting airport staff and police officers after being removed from a flight, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, June 21, 2026.***Video Licence Restrictions: NONE/UNLIMITED. This video is from our emergency services partner – for details of our ‘emergency services’ licence see https://newsx.agency/licences/ For terms visit: https://newsx.media/terms-conditions/
The footage was obtained from the Atlanta Police Department and shows the incident in the city of Atlanta, in the US state of Georgia, on 21st June.
In the video, Dustin Poirier, 37, confronts Delta Air Lines staff at the gate over a flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
He squares up to a responding officer, removes his backpack and repeatedly challenges him to fight after insulting the officer and two members of Delta Air Lines staff.
He says: “I’ll fight you right now, I’ll go with you right now.”
The former champion is eventually arrested after backup arrives on the scene.
Poirier, a former UFC interim lightweight champion who retired in 2025, was booked into Clayton County Jail on a public intoxication charge.
The Atlanta Police Department said in a statement: “The primary responding officer recognized Mr. Poirier from his professional fighting background and requested additional units due to his combative behavior.
This image is a screen grab of the video supplied titled NewsX-MixedMartialArts-01.mp4: Bodycam footage shows retired mixed martial arts fighter Dustin Poirier confronting airport staff and police officers after being removed from a flight, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, June 21, 2026.(Clipzilla/NX)
“After repeated verbal outbursts and an aggressive stance toward officers, Poirier stated, ‘If you want to arrest me, then go ahead,’ at which point he was taken into custody without further incident.
“He was transported to Clayton County Jail and charged with public intoxication.”
Poirier, who competed from 2009 to 2025, and who has spoken about his struggles with alcohol since retiring, addressed the arrest on social media.
He said: “I’m at the point where I need some help, walking away from fighting hasn’t been easy on me, and alcohol isn’t the answer.
“It has ruined my father’s life, and I will not allow it to ruin mine.
“My family deserves me at 100 per cent.
“I’m trying to do everything I can to get my mind right and take the right next steps.”
(Joe Golder/Clipzilla/NX)
