Sean Strickland Rants About Depression After Dustin Poirier Shared His Struggle

UFC middleweight champion denounces Dustin Poirier's recent comments about dealing with depression due to personal problems.

Sean Strickland Rants About Depression After Dustin Poirier Shared His Struggle

Sean Strickland criticizes Dustin Poirier's recent comments (via Bro bible, X)

Sean Strickland remains one of the UFC’s most controversial stars, never hesitating to criticize or insult fellow fighters within the promotion. However, the middleweight champion has also openly discussed depression and early mental health struggles throughout his career. He recently criticized former interim champion Dustin Poirier after the retired lightweight recently revealed his battle with depression.

Poirier retired after his farewell fight against Max Holloway at UFC 318, ending one of the greatest lightweight careers in UFC history. Recently, the former interim champion was arrested at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on a misdemeanor public intoxication charge. Authorities said the incident followed a confrontation after he was denied boarding a flight.

Poirier recently opened up about his mental health struggles, revealing his father battled alcoholism and homelessness during his childhood. The Louisiana native said those experiences contributed to his drinking before the airport incident and discussed dealing with depression after retirement. His comments quickly caught Strickland’s attention, prompting the controversial star to publicly respond.

Dustin “I’m depressed” bro what? You’re rich and loved by thousands of people.. You’re not allowed to be depressed… What you did is got kicked off a flight and tried to fight a cop….relax it happens to the best of us.

Sean Strickland via X

Earlier in his UFC career, Strickland was a vocal advocate for men’s mental health and frequently discussed his difficult upbringing. The two-time champion often spoke about suffering abuse from his father and the lasting emotional impact it had on him. However, his stance now appears different, as he criticized Poirier for discussing depression despite achieving remarkable success throughout his UFC career.

If you’re successful and you have a family and you’re rich, [depression] isn’t a thing. There are kids laying in bed dying of chemo right now, that would do anything for one more day on this planet. And you’re looking in the mirror saying ‘I’m sad’.

Sean Strickland via X

Strickland also mocked Poirier’s recent arrest, reacting to the incident through posts on X after the footage surfaced online. He later referenced a phrase from Poirier’s arrest video while motivating teammates during training at the UFC Performance Institute, extending his criticism beyond social media.

Earlier this year, Strickland was not the only prominent UFC figure to dismiss discussions surrounding mental health and depression. UFC CEO Dana White also criticized modern mental health culture, particularly among men, arguing that men should focus on being providers and embracing responsibility.

Former UFC welterweight Colby Covington also criticized Poirier following his recent airport arrest. Covington condemned Poirier for being intoxicated and arrested on Father’s Day after retiring from the sport. He argued the former interim champion was setting the wrong example for his children.

Sean Strickland captured the middleweight title by defeating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 as a major underdog. The upset transformed his career and returned him to the division’s summit. His recent comments toward Dustin Poirier suggest his success has changed his perspective on personal struggles.

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Sean Strickland apologizes for undermining Dustin Poirier’s depression

Sean Strickland has repeatedly discussed the abuse he suffered from his father and its lasting impact on his childhood. The two-time UFC middleweight champion said the violence shaped his outlook and emotional struggles. He has often credited MMA with helping him rebuild his life.

The subject has remained deeply personal for ‘Tarzan’, who has reacted strongly whenever his family history was mentioned. Before UFC 312, Dricus Du Plessis repeatedly referenced Strickland’s abusive upbringing during the build-up. The remarks fueled an emotional rivalry and visibly affected Strickland.

Sean Strickland
Sean Strickland (via X)

In his recent apology following the airport incident, Dustin Poirier also discussed his father’s alcoholism and current homelessness. The Louisiana native said those experiences had a profound impact on his childhood. He explained that those early struggles continued to affect him long after reaching success.

Despite his turbulent childhood and abusive upbringing, Strickland initially criticized Poirier for discussing depression despite his successful lifestyle. The controversial star questioned Poirier’s comments after his airport arrest. However, Strickland has since contacted Poirier personally and reversed his stance.

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 bud light does the right thing with this one. He deserves the help.

Sean Strickland via X

Dustin Poirier remains one of the UFC’s most respected fighters, with his charitable work continuing after retirement. He has long supported underprivileged youth through his foundation and community initiatives. Sean Strickland’s public apology marked a significant shift from his earlier criticism.

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