Anthony Smith Arrested On Three Felony Charges

Former UFC heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith was arrested Monday in Nebraska and booked on three felony charges, TMZ Sports reports.

Smith, who currently works as a desk analyst for UFC broadcasts on Paramount+, was booked into a county jail shortly before 9 p.m. on July 27. He faces charges of terroristic threats, first-degree false imprisonment and domestic violence causing serious bodily injury, according to the report. Authorities have not disclosed what allegedly occurred before the arrest.

Smith Faces Up To 20 Years If Convicted

The domestic violence charge can carry a sentence of up to 20 years if convicted, per TMZ. The terroristic threats and first-degree false imprisonment charges can each carry sentences of up to three years. Smith has not been convicted of any offense related to the arrest, and the charges remain allegations.

Smith retired from mixed martial arts in April 2025 following three consecutive losses to Roman Dolidze, Dominick Reyes and Mingyang Zhang, who stopped him in the first round. He later signed with Jorge Masvidal's Bare Knuckle MMA promotion as a heavyweight and submitted Chase Sherman in his promotional debut, advancing to the semifinals of the $500,000 tournament.

Information regarding Smith's bond status or a potential court date was not immediately available as of publication.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Former UFC title challenger (and current analyst) arrested for alleged felony domestic violence, faces 20 years in prison