“Have Some Empathy” – Daniel Cormier Rallies Behind Dustin Poirier After Shocking Drunk Incident

UFC legend Daniel Cormier comes to fellow Louisiana native Dustin Poirier's recent arrest after bodycam footage goes viral.

“Have Some Empathy” – Daniel Cormier Rallies Behind Dustin Poirier After Shocking Drunk Incident

Daniel Cormier and Dustin Poirier (via Instagram)

Daniel Cormier has consistently advocated for fighter mental health, often discussing the emotional demands of mixed martial arts. The former two-division UFC champion previously shared his own struggles and never hesitated to show emotion publicly. That perspective resurfaced recently as Cormier addressed Dustin Poirier‘s mental challenges following the retired lightweight star’s recent arrest.

Poirier was arrested at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport after police responded to reports of an intoxicated passenger denied boarding a Delta flight. Authorities charged the retired UFC star with public intoxication following a confrontation with airline staff and responding officers. He was later taken into custody without further incident, booked into the Clayton County Jail, and released on bond.

Cormier and Poirier share deep Louisiana roots, despite attending Northside High School during different periods. Their friendship has continued throughout successful careers as UFC fighters before transitioning into respected analyst roles. Following Poirier’s recent arrest, the former two-divisional champion publicly defended his longtime friend while emphasizing the pressures surrounding fighter mental health.

That showed how hard it is for fighters to retire… this is a kid that had a tough upbringing. It’s hard to not get lost when you walk away from something that’s been so important. I think we should have some empathy, people should be more careful to judge. Everybody loves Dustin. Dustin’s done some great things. We can’t forget the great work because of a mistake that he made. He’s not the only one. So many people struggle whenever that thing is gone.

Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channel

Popular media house TMZ released body-camera footage showing Poirier appearing intoxicated during the incident at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The retired UFC star displayed aggressive behavior toward a responding police officer before additional officers intervened and handcuffed him.

Following the incident, Poirier apologized for his actions and said he wanted to work on himself moving forward. The former interim lightweight champion previously discussed struggling with retirement. He admitted finding it difficult to accept the reality of no longer competing inside the Octagon.

Cormier’s comments carry additional weight because ‘The Diamond’ has previously spoken openly about his mental health struggles throughout his career. After his UFC 291 head-kick loss to Justin Gaethje, Poirier admitted the defeat affected him deeply and revealed he had started attending therapy.

DC’s comments also highlighted the importance of viewing Dustin Poirier beyond a single difficult incident, given his long record of charitable work through The Good Fight Foundation. The organization has supported food banks, schools, families, and community initiatives across Louisiana for several years.

Daniel Cormier’s stance also reflected the broader struggles many MMA fighters face during and after their competitive careers. His remarks reinforced the importance of addressing mental health while recognizing the pressures accompanying life inside and outside the Octagon.

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Daniel Cormier weighs in on the current situation of the lightweight division

Justin Gaethje‘s lightweight title victory over Spanish phenom Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 significantly reshaped the UFC’s 155-pound division. The championship change created fresh opportunities for several contenders, leaving the title picture more competitive than ever before.

Two of the biggest names in those discussions remain Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan, both considered legitimate championship contenders. Oliveira is currently ranked No. 3 and holds the BMF title, while second-ranked Tsarukyan has awaited a championship opportunity for a considerable period.

Daniel Cormier
Daniel Cormier (via MMA Fighting)

Oliveira recently offered Gaethje a rematch of their UFC 274 title fight, in which the Brazilian secured a first-round submission victory. Oliveira also proposed putting his BMF title on the line for the matchup. However, Daniel Cormier recently argued that ‘Do Bronx’ does not deserve the next lightweight title shot.

It has to be Arman. There’s no way that it can’t be Arman. I just don’t know if those victories over Gamrot and Holloway would warrant you jumping Arman Tsarukyan. I believe people are now ready to watch Arman fight for the belt.

Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channel

Cormier’s stance undoubtedly reflects the Brazilian superstar’s recent performances against Mateusz Gamrot and Max Holloway. While the former lightweight champion submitted Gamrot, his BMF title victory over Holloway at UFC 326 drew criticism because of the limited action throughout the contest.

Those recent outings have fueled debate surrounding Oliveira’s championship credentials despite his impressive résumé.

As a result, Daniel Cormier believes Arman Tsarukyan has earned the next lightweight title opportunity based on his stronger recent body of work.

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