Dustin Poirier expressed his frustrations using strong language in bodycam video prior to his arrest.

Dustin Poirier’s Altercation at Atlanta Airport

Dustin Poirier’s mood following his removal from a flight certainly wasn’t great.

Body camera footage from his arrest on Sunday at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport highlights an argument he had with airport staff after being denied boarding on a Delta flight.

The 37-year-old former MMA fighter was taken into custody for suspected public intoxication. In the video, he begins by unleashing a stream of expletives after being forced off the plane and even threatens airport personnel with violence.

“Let’s go, big dog. What’s up? Bunch of you,” he shouts at the beginning of the footage outside Gate D36.

One airport employee mentioned that Poirier was removed from the aircraft. Poirier responded, “Oh, you got me off the plane while all my friends are heading home. Now what?”

The employee pointed out that his behavior was precisely why the flight was able to depart. There was even a moment where someone asked if Poirier was actually the 2019 interim UFC lightweight champion, to which Poirier replied, “Well, shit, bro.”

As the situation escalated, Poirier directed insults at those around him while inviting the officers to “fight now.” He expressed his frustration by saying it would “be terrible” as he signaled to the officials who seemed uninterested in engaging with him.

When asked to calm down, he shot back, “Do you want to fight?”

After more heated exchanges, Poirier was arrested and reportedly even struck an officer. Ironically, he complimented the police officers, saying they “did a great job.”

On Tuesday, Atlanta police confirmed his arrest.

In a statement following the release of the body camera video, Poirier acknowledged his struggles with alcohol. He shared on Instagram, “I need help. Walking away from the fight is not easy for me, and alcohol is not the answer. It ruined my father’s life, and I won’t let it ruin mine.”

Earlier this year, Poirier discussed the difficulties of managing his alcohol use post-retirement, expressing that his newfound free time made it a challenge. He mentioned completing a 40-day sobriety challenge just before New Year’s, stating, “Now that I’m retired, I can sit at home and have a drink every day.”