TLDR
- Anthony Smith was arrested in Nebraska on three felony charges: terroristic threats, false imprisonment, and first degree domestic violence assault
- The 38-year-old former UFC light-heavyweight title contender was released on $500,000 bond
- Smith faces up to 20 years in prison depending on potential convictions
- UFC CEO Dana White commented that the situation ‘can happen to anybody’ and hopes it works out for Smith’s family
- Smith retired from UFC in 2025 after 24 fights with the promotion and currently works as a UFC broadcast analyst
Sources: bbc.com | mmamania.com | sports.yahoo.com
Former UFC light-heavyweight title contender Anthony Smith was arrested in Nebraska earlier this week on three felony charges. The 38-year-old fighter was booked into Sarpy County Jail on charges of terroristic threats, false imprisonment, and first degree domestic violence assault.
Smith was released on bond for $500,000 and appeared before a judge on Friday. He will have to appear in court later this year to determine the outcome of the case.
The charges carry serious penalties. Smith faces up to 20 years in prison depending on potential convictions from the three felony counts.
Smith’s Fighting Career and Current Role
Smith made his UFC debut in 2016 and fought 24 times for the promotion. His overall MMA record stands at 39 wins and 22 defeats.
In 2019, Smith challenged Jon Jones for the UFC light-heavyweight title but lost the bout. He lost his final three fights in the UFC before retiring in 2025.
Ex-UFC star Anthony Smith allegedly tried to run over his wife in domestic incident https://t.co/sGwPz1S4IU pic.twitter.com/CfRPsxttGv
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) July 30, 2026
Smith’s last UFC fight came in April 2026 against Zhang Mingyang, which he lost. He competed later that month in Gamebred Bareknuckle before stepping away from active competition.
Since retiring, Smith has been working as an analyst on UFC broadcasts. He has been a regular presence on the company’s programming.
UFC CEO Responds to Arrest
UFC CEO Dana White addressed Smith’s arrest while promoting the UFC Belgrade event in Serbia. White said Smith was someone he didn’t expect to see in this situation.
“It can happen to anybody,” White told The Mac Life. “Personal experience—it can happen to anybody.”
White referenced his own issues with his wife at a nightclub back in 2023. He said he didn’t know enough details about Smith’s case because he had been on the road.
“I just hope it works out for him and his family and his kids,” White said.
White also defended the UFC’s support for fighters. “We do so much stuff for the fighters,” he said. “Not just the ones that are under contract with us, but ones that used to be, too.”
Smith is not the first former UFC fighter to face legal trouble. Last month, former UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier was arrested at an airport for public intoxication.
Smith’s case is still pending. He will appear in court later this year to face the charges against him.
