UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland walked back his criticism of Dustin Poirier after mocking the former star’s depression comments.

Dustin Poirier’s recent arrest for public intoxication stole the headlines from the UFC 329 buildup.

Poirier, who retired from Mixed Martial Arts after a loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318 last year, faces a misdemeanor charge stemming from his arrest at Atlanta International Airport last month. If convicted, Poirier faces up to a year in jail and/or a fine.

In his first interview since his arrest, Poirier opened up on his inner struggles since hanging up the gloves last year at UFC 318. Poirier admitted he’s dealt with alcoholism and depression in recent months, which led to his now-viral arrest in Atlanta.

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland used Poirier’s revelation to mock the UFC legend, questioning the sincerity behind his admitted depression. Strickland’s comments were criticized by many of his followers on social media on Monday.

24 hours later, Strickland has apparently connected with Poirier and apologized for his posts.

Sean Strickland ‘repents’ after Dustin Poirier criticism draws backlash

In a recent tweet, Strickland walked back his comments about Poirier’s mental health revelations.

“I spoke to Dustin [Poirier] and he is legitimately messed up by his actions,” Strickland said of Poirier.

“I thought he was just doing PR clean up to be honest…I guess not everyone is a piece of s— like me. So yeah I repent and I am sorry Dustin. Hope Bud Light does the right thing with this one. He deserves the help.”

Poirier recently claimed a major sponsor decided to cut ties with him following his arrest. He was absent from the latest episode of the Deep Waters podcast on Paramount+ with co-hosts Jorge Masvidal, Chris Weidman and Din Thomas.

As of this writing, Poirier’s role on the UFC’s broadcast team remains intact, and he could return to the desk later this summer. In the meantime, Poirier’s road to recovery is just beginning as he faces his biggest battle outside of the Octagon.

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