Champion mocks Dustin Poirier's arrest by wearing a shirt with racist terms; understand why.

Dustin Poirier was detained at an airport in the US. Photo: Press release.

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Dustin Poirier 's arrest at Atlanta Airport last week generated various reactions throughout the MMA world. While names like Jon Jones offered support to "The Diamond," others took the opportunity to criticize the former fighter, as was the case with Colby Covington . However, Sean Strickland chose a different path. Known for his acerbic sense of humor, the current middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) posted a photo on social media training in a t-shirt with racist slogans, in a clear provocation to Poirier.

In the moments leading up to his arrest, the former interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) was seen insulting and threatening airport staff as well as police officers. A body camera worn by one of the officers recorded the moment when Poirier referred to him with a racist slur. Strickland used the same phrase on his training shirt.

See too

Jon Jones shows solidarity with Poirier after his arrest for drunkenness and offers valuable advice: 'Keep your head up'

Mockery and irony! Colby Covington celebrates Dustin Poirier's downfall, arrested for drunkenness: 'Trash'

Dustin Poirier breaks silence after arrest at US airport: 'I need help'

Sean Strickland pulled up to the gym wearing the Dustin Poirier quote 💀 pic.twitter.com/MNjdmvpJsP

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) June 26, 2026

Shortly after being released, Dustin issued a statement on social media revealing that he was struggling with alcohol abuse and had difficulty adjusting to life away from the octagon. He emphasized that his father had gone through similar problems and he did not want to experience the same ordeal, as he wanted to protect his family.

The word used by Poirier is taboo in the US.

Poirier before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/brwlrz

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Born as a pejorative way to refer to Black people during times of slavery and racial segregation, the word "nigger" is one of the most offensive racial slurs in the English language, to the point of becoming taboo in American society. Although it has been reclaimed and used by Black people in certain places and contexts as " nigga ," many still avoid uttering it, referring to it simply as "the N-word."

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