UFC champion Sean Strickland criticizes Dustin Poirier for showing vulnerability after his arrest: 'He has no right to be depressed'

Strickland promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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If the MMA community has been showing all its empathy towards Dustin poirier, the same does not apply to Sean StricklandIn June, the former fighter was arrested at Atlanta airport (USA) for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct and, after being released, opened up about the problems he has been having in his new life outside the octagon. However, the UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) refuses to treat the veteran as some kind of 'poor thing'.

Previously, Poirier confessed to having serious problems with alcohol, revealed he was depressed after stopping fighting, and admitted he needed help. Clearly irritated by 'The Diamond's' stance, Strickland harshly criticized him. According to the bad boy, the former interim UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) is exaggerating the situation, implying that he's complaining with 'a full belly'.

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Furthermore, this was not the first time the UFC champion addressed Poirier's arrest and the threat made to the police officer. During his training, Strickland wore a shirt printed with the racist slur the former fighter used against the officer.

“Poirier, 'I'm depressed,' dude, what do you mean? You're rich and loved by thousands of people. You're not allowed to be depressed. What you did was get kicked off a flight and try to fight a police officer. Relax, it happens to the best of us,” wrote the UFC champion on his official 'X' account.

“I just can’t understand depression. There are children dying of cancer, undergoing chemotherapy. They would give anything to have one more day. But you, a grown, wealthy man, look in the mirror and say, ‘I’m depressed.’”

“Tell me, why are you sad, rich man? (laughs). When I stop fighting and ask myself, 'What will make me happy?', I've already lost. True happiness comes from acts of service to your family or community,” he concluded.

Strickland fighters in MMA

Sean StricklandThe 35-year-old is one of the best middleweight fighters in history. The American began his MMA career in 2008, debuted in the UFC in 2014, and became champion of the category in 2023 and 2026.

Through the sport, the athlete built a record of 31 wins and seven losses. His main triumphs were against anthony hernandez, Brendan allen, Israel adesanya, Khamzat Shimaev, Paulo borrachinha e Nassourdine Imavov.