UFC icon Poirier accepts he needs help after arrest

Former UFC fighter Dustin Poirier has said he is "at the point where I need some help" after being arrested for alleged public drunkenness. The 37-year-old, who retired from MMA last year following a 16-year career, was taken into custody in Atlanta, Georgia earlier this week and later released on bail.

Police released body camera footage showing an agitated Poirier threatening an officer at an airport after claiming he was thrown off a flight. As the officer tried to calm him, Poirier said "I'll fight you right now" along with expletives, then asked "are you going to tase me?" when the officer drew his taser. Poirier later calmed down as another officer arrived, and fist-bumped the filming officer, saying: "You did a great job, you did what you could."

In a statement on Instagram, Poirier said he is seeking help after finding life difficult post-retirement. "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," he wrote. "It has ruined my father's life and I will not allow it to ruin mine, my family deserve me at 100%. I'm trying to do everything I can to get my mind right and take the right next steps."

In Georgia, public drunkenness is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, up to $1,000 (£757) in fines, or both.

Poirier, a former UFC interim lightweight champion, left the sport last year as one of the most respected athletes. He made his UFC debut in 2011, winning 22 of 32 fights. He retired as arguably the best fighter never to win an undisputed title. His resume includes wins over Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, and Justin Gaethje. Off the mat, his charity work helped children in his home state of Louisiana. Since retiring, Poirier has appeared regularly as an analyst on UFC broadcasts.