Sean Strickland Unloads on Bud Light For Terminating Dustin Poirier’s Contract

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland calls out Bud Light for ending Dustin Poirier's contract after recent arrest.

Sean Strickland Unloads on Bud Light For Terminating Dustin Poirier’s Contract

Sean Strickland calls out Bud Light for cutting ties with Dustin Poirier (via MMA Fighting, SPORTbible)

Sean Strickland remains one of the UFC’s most controversial fighters despite becoming a two-time middleweight champion. Recently, Strickland criticized Dustin Poirier’s arrest and post-retirement depression. However, he has now taken aim at Bud Light for terminating the former interim champion’s sponsorship.

Poirier signed with Bud Light in March 2024, shortly after his knockout victory over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299. The former interim lightweight champion became one of the brand’s leading UFC ambassadors, starring in national commercials and promotional campaigns before the partnership ended in 2026.

However, Poirier revealed Bud Light terminated his sponsorship after his arrest for public drunkenness at Atlanta’s airport. Strickland has recently posted a video holding a Bud Light bottle, reflecting on his own struggles with alcohol and his abusive father. He also further criticized the company for ending Poirier’s partnership.

What made me so mad talking to Dustin and hearing things through the grapevine, I heard that Bud Light might let Dustin go. Let me tell you, that is the most un-American thing you can do. You spent $6 billion creating an addict. Creating someone that wants to grab this every time he’s having a bad day and bring out the worst in him. And at his lowest time, contemplating letting him go. That is the most un-American thing you could do. Bud Light, if you want to represent America, you stand by him and you help him. That’s American.

Sean Strickland via The Shawn Ryan Show

Before learning the full extent of Poirier’s struggles, Strickland continued taking indirect shots at the Louisiana native.

During a training session with teammates, he repeatedly mocked Poirier by using the former interim lightweight champion’s now-infamous airport catchphrase as a motivational slogan.

When Poirier first revealed his battle with post-retirement depression following the arrest, Strickland responded with sharp criticism. ‘Tarzan’ questioned Poirier’s public admission and suggested the retired star was seeking sympathy rather than taking responsibility for his actions.

However, Strickland later softened his stance after learning more about Poirier’s situation. It was really evident when ‘Tarzan’ went on Shawn Ryan’s podcast.

The former UFC middleweight champion admitted he had reacted too harshly without fully understanding the circumstances and publicly apologized for his earlier rant, acknowledging he had judged Poirier too quickly.

This is not the first time Strickland has taken shots at Bud Light. Following the UFC’s sponsorship agreement with the beer brand in late 2023, the controversial star publicly mocked the partnership. He referenced the backlash surrounding the Dylan Mulvaney controversy while criticizing the promotion’s decision.

Despite their disagreement, both Sean Strickland and Dustin Poirier have openly discussed mental health. ‘The Diamond’ has detailed his post-retirement depression, while Strickland has spoken about the trauma from his abusive childhood. Their exchange ultimately ended on a more understanding note

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Sean Strickland opens up on his final moments with abusive father

Sean Strickland has frequently spoken about the abuse he experienced from his father during his childhood. He revealed his father was violent toward his mother and that he grew up in a traumatic environment. Strickland also recalled breaking his father’s nose during a confrontation after witnessing abusive behavior.

During his appearance on popular comedian Theo Von’s podcast in late 2023, Strickland opened up about his abusive childhood and the emotional impact it had on him. The two-time middleweight champion discussed his father’s behavior and how those experiences shaped his anger, mindset, and outlook on life.

Sean Strickland
Sean Strickland (via X)

Strickland has often spoken about protecting his mother from his father’s behavior during childhood. He revealed his father struggled with alcohol and that he intervened during violent situations. His father died on February 28, 2018, at age 58, after a battle with cancer. ‘Tarzan’ recently reflected on his father’s final moments.

Sean Strickland’s childhood experiences have played a major role throughout his MMA career. The UFC middleweight champion has often reacted strongly when rivals have referenced his past or taken shots at his upbringing. His traumatic childhood remains a defining part of his personality and fighting mindset.

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