Sean Strickland Apologizes to Dustin Poirier After Criticizing Post-Arrest Comments
The outspoken middleweight champion changed his stance after speaking privately with Dustin Poirier following the former interim champion's recent arrest.
On July 4, an intoxicated Dustin Poirier was arrested at an airport in Atlanta after an altercation with a police officer following his removal from a flight. In the aftermath of the incident, the former UFC interim lightweight champion issued a public apology on social media.
Sean Strickland had little sympathy for Poirier's explanation and harshly criticized his comments. Now, the middleweight champion seems to have changed his mind after publicly apologizing to "The Diamond".
Sean Strickland Retracts Earlier Comments
Following the incident at the airport, Poirier took to social media to apologize and admit he "needs some help" as he deals with what he described as depression. That didn't sit well with Strickland.
The middleweight champion immediately criticized Poirier's apology, arguing that someone in The Diamond´s position shouldn't be struggling with depression.
Though famously outspoken, Strickland had a change of heart. A few days after criticizing Poirier's explanation, the middleweight champion took to X to apologize, revealing that he had spoken privately with the former interim lightweight champion.
"I spoke to Dustin and he is legitimately messed up by his actions. 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. Hope budlight does the right thing with this one. He deserves the help."
Dustin Poirier's Difficult Post-Retirement Period
It appears Poirier is going through a difficult period following his retirement from MMA. The former interim lightweight champion made his final UFC appearance last July, when he lost to Max Holloway via unanimous decision.
Following his arrest, Poirier admitted he has been struggling since stepping away from competition and acknowledged that he intends to seek professional help. Considered one of the most respected fighters of his generation, The Diamond said the transition away from the sport has been much harder than he expected.
