Dustin Porye expresses his post-sports emotions
Dustin Poirier Faces Mental Health Challenges in Post-UFC Life
Veteran UFC fighter Dustin Poirier, known as "The Diamond," recently opened up about his life after leaving professional sports in an interview with KLFY.com radio. Poirier, who is 36 years old, has had a long and successful career in the Octagon, with 50+ fights to his name.
One of Poirier's most significant fights was his third encounter with Max Holloway, which took place in July at UFC 318. However, the result of this fight was an unanimous decision loss for Poirier. The specific reasons for his loss were not mentioned in the details provided.
In his post-sports life, Poirier admitted to having to fight feelings of wanting to return to the gym, even when he is doing chores in the yard. This is a common struggle for professional UFC fighters like Poirier after leaving the sport, as they face a multifaceted set of mental health challenges.
One of the main challenges faced by retired UFC fighters is chronic sleep deprivation and fatigue during their fighting careers, which can have lasting effects on mental health even after retirement. This has been seen in the case of Jorge Masvidal, who retired due to years of poor sleep.
Another challenge is emotional and psychological stress from social media negativity and public exposure, leading to depression, panic attacks, and anxiety for some fighters. Anna Jaroonsak is one example of a fighter who almost quit due to this pressure.
In Poirier's retirement reflections, he acknowledges the toll of his career on his body and mind, the mental challenge of contending with aging and Father Time, and waves of complex emotions expected after retirement, including identity transition and legacy considerations.
Many retired fighters report ongoing mental health struggles like depression, anxiety, and difficulty adjusting to life without the constant adrenaline and purpose fighting provided. This is a common pattern due to the abrupt lifestyle change and the physical impacts of the sport.
Therefore, professional UFC fighters typically face a multifaceted set of mental health challenges post-career, including sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, difficulty with identity and purpose, and managing the psychological impact of social and physical trauma they endured during their careers.
Physically, Poirier stated that he feels fine, with most injuries having healed, but his hand sometimes reminds him of his past. Despite these challenges, Poirier remains positive and is focusing on his post-UFC life, including his charity work and business ventures.
Bookmakers were undoubtedly intrigued by Poirier's post-UFC life, given his success in mixed-martial-arts, as they might consider offering odds on his future endeavors, such as charity work or business ventures.
The complexities of Poirier's mental health struggles, shared by many retired UFC fighters, might make it challenging for bookmakers to accurately predict his future choices, as these issues can significantly impact decision-making processes.
