Dustin Poirier surprised many with his candid revelations about his mental struggles following his loss to Justin Gaethje. This came as a shock to many, given Poirier’s reputation as a successful and composed fighter. In an interview on “The MMA Hour” with Ariel Helwani, Poirier opened up about the darkness he experienced after the defeat, sparking genuine concern for his well-being.
This is not an isolated incident in the world of MMA. Alexander Volkanovski, a former UFC featherweight champion, also spoke about his mental struggles, particularly before accepting a short-notice fight against an opponent who had previously defeated him.
Post-fight depression is a common theme among fighters, yet it is often taboo to discuss. Chael Sonnen, a UFC veteran, admitted to experiencing this phenomenon after every fight. He initially thought it was his “dirty secret” until a conversation with former opponent Brian Stann made him realize he was not alone.
Stann, a decorated individual both in and out of the Octagon, provided insight into the intense and all-consuming nature of training for a fight. The transition from the high of victory or the despair of defeat to the mundane reality of daily life can be jarring for fighters.
Win or lose, fighters often find themselves defined by their performances in the cage, leading to a sense of identity crisis. The pursuit of the next high or the redemption of a loss can become an addictive cycle, driving fighters to seek validation through their fighting careers.
Stann’s advice to fighters is to remember that fighting is just a part of who they are, not their entire identity. Seeking therapy, as Poirier did, can help fighters gain perspective and realize that there is more to life than being a fighter.
Ultimately, when the fighting is over, all that remains is the person behind the fighter. It is essential for fighters to address their mental health and well-being to ensure a fulfilling life beyond the cage.