Interview
WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Dustin Poirier: "I Deleted Social Media After The Incident
- Dustin Poirier anticipates ongoing emotional volatility regarding his post-fighting life, oscillating between the desire to compete and relief at his retirement, while expecting to face a "void" of purpose as nothing compares to the all-consuming nature of fighting.
- He plans to eliminate alcohol entirely and maintain strict abstinence for a minimum six-month period to reinstate eligibility under UFC drug testing protocols, though he estimates only a 5% probability of ever returning to competition, a figure he believes is decreasing due to logistical and personal hurdles.
- Poirier intends to refocus his energy over the next two decades on a new, terrifying passion to replace fighting, while committing to daily mental health practices such as therapy and self-care as a continuous routine.
- He is working to help his father enter treatment for alcoholism and acknowledges the risk of his father's passing given the latter's age (74-75) and current state of homelessness and addiction, despite recognizing the limits of his ability to force change.
- Professionally, he plans to resume hosting the "Diary of a CO" podcast in two weeks and maintain his Good Fight Foundation with lean operations, while expressing fear that he has jeopardized a potential career as a CBS/Paramount commentator or desk analyst.
- Regarding external standing, he expects to lose additional sponsors while waiting to see which relationships survive the incident, plans to reconnect with friends and colleagues after a period of silence, and intends to avoid internet consumption related to the arrest to protect his mental state.
- Poirier predicts that public sentiment will remain sympathetic as fans recognize his personal growth and mental health struggles, and he anticipates needing to stay off the internet to avoid viewing content that could negatively impact his recovery.