# Anthony Smith felony arrest and court proceedings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/anthony-smith-felony-arrest
> Updated: 2026-09-02T01:00:59.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 5.

In late July 2026, former UFC light-heavyweight contender Anthony Smith was arrested in Sarpy County, Nebraska, following an alleged bar altercation in Gretna. Prosecutors allege Smith threatened to kill his wife, forced her into his vehicle, and attempted to run her over. He was booked on several felony counts, including domestic violence causing serious bodily injury, terroristic threats, first-degree false imprisonment, and an alleged attempted murder. Smith was released on $500,000 bond with conditions prohibiting contact with his wife and requiring court permission to leave the state. While UFC CEO Dana White expressed surprise and offered support, the legal proceedings have continued into August. During recent court proceedings, Smith pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted aggravated assault in a domestic relationship, unlawful threats, and two counts of first-degree unlawful imprisonment. In a development regarding the victim, Smith’s wife stated that her husband is a “good person” and claimed she contacted the police to “protect him from himself.” Following the not-guilty plea, an initial hearing scheduled for August 17 was canceled. Smith’s manager, Brian Butler, has requested that the presumption of innocence be maintained. On August 23, Smith released his first public statement via social media, noting, “I’ll be able to tell my story someday soon. Until then… you guys just keep making it up as you go ;)” He added, “Character is revealed in chaos.” A judge has granted Smith permission to travel to the Dominican Republic for a sporting event between late September and early October. Smith remains scheduled for a status hearing on September 21. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years. In early September, it was confirmed that Smith is scheduled to fight Jordan Heiderman on October 2nd in a Gamebred FC heavyweight tournament in the Dominican Republic.

## Claims

- Anthony Smith was arrested by Sarpy County police in Nebraska on Monday. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Smith faces felony charges including terroristic threats, domestic violence, false imprisonment and an alleged attempted murder of his wife. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- If convicted on all counts, Smith could receive a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Anthony Smith is a former UFC light‑heavyweight contender who retired in 2025 and works as a UFC analyst. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Smith was released on $500,000 bail with conditions prohibiting contact with his wife and leaving Nebraska without court permission. (single source)
- Smith's next court appearance is scheduled for mid‑August. (single source)
- UFC CEO Dana White said the case was unexpected and expressed hope for Smith and his family. (single source)
- An old video of Smith challenging Andrew Tate resurfaced online after the arrest. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Anthony Smith scheduled for Gamebred FC fight amid felony charges

Former UFC fighter Anthony Smith will fight Jordan Heiderman on October 2nd for Gamebred FC despite facing felony domestic violence and false imprisonment charges in Nebraska.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anthony-smith-scheduled-for-gamebred-fc-fight-amid-felony-charges

### 2026-08-23: Anthony Smith issues first statement following felony arrest

Former UFC contender Anthony Smith issued his first statement following his July arrest on felony charges in Nebraska, stating he intends to tell his side of the story soon.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anthony-smith-issues-first-statement-following-felony-arrest

### 2026-08-17: Anthony Smith pleads not guilty to felony charges in Nebraska

Former UFC fighter Anthony Smith pleaded not guilty to four felony charges in Nebraska following an alleged domestic incident involving his wife. A status hearing is set for September 21.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anthony-smith-pleads-not-guilty-to-nebraska-felony-charges

### 2026-07-31: Anthony Smith faces up to 20 years in prison after Nebraska felony arrest

Former UFC fighter Anthony Smith was arrested in Nebraska on felony domestic‑violence charges, released on $500,000 bail, and faces up to 20 years in prison; UFC boss Dana White called the case unexpected.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anthony-smith-faces-up-to-20-years-in-prison-after-nebraska-felony-arrest

### 2026-07-28: Anthony Smith Arrested in Nebraska on Three Felony Charges Including Domestic Violence

Former UFC contender Anthony Smith was arrested in Nebraska on three felonies – domestic‑violence, terroristic threats and false imprisonment – posted a $500K bond, and faces up to 20 years in prison.

31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/former-ufc-fighter-anthony-smith-charged-with-three-felonies-in-nebraska

---
Cite as: Anthony Smith felony arrest and court proceedings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/anthony-smith-felony-arrest
