Anthony Smith Arrested After Allegedly Threatening Wife

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 Sarpy County, Nebraska on three felony charges after allegedly threatening to kill his wife and trying to strike her with his vehicle. Smith, 38, posted $500,000 bond and was released under the condition that he have no contact with his wife while the case is pending.

The Sarpy County District Attorney's Office released details of the allegations on Wednesday. According to the statement, Smith is accused of threatening to kill his wife during an altercation at a bar in Gretna, Nebraska on July 26 if she did not return home with him, per MMA Fighting. Prosecutors say he grabbed and pushed her into his vehicle, and that she exited multiple times during the drive. After arriving home, investigators allege Smith attempted several times to use the vehicle to strike her, though she avoided physical harm by moving out of the way.

What Charges Smith Faces After Nebraska Arrest

Smith is charged with attempted first-degree domestic assault, a class II felony, along with terroristic threats and first-degree false imprisonment, both class III-A felonies. An arrest warrant was issued July 27, and Smith turned himself in without incident. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison, MMA Junkie reports.

The former UFC contender retired from the promotion last year after three straight losses, most recently a defeat to Zhang Mingyang at UFC Kansas City in April 2025. He returned to competition earlier this year in Jorge Masvidal's Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA tournament, submitting Chase Sherman in the first round. Smith has worked as a television analyst since stepping away from the UFC.

The Sarpy County Attorney's Office said it would not comment further on the allegations given the pending trial. Smith has not publicly addressed the arrest or the charges against him. He is scheduled to appear in Sarpy County District Court on Aug. 17.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Anthony Smith ‘reportedly threatened to kill’ his wife, allegedly ‘attempted multiple times’ to strike her with his vehicle leading to arrest
• BJPenn — Police: Anthony Smith ‘threatened to kill, tried to run over wife’ before Nebraska arrest