Anthony Smith Returns Oct. 2 Amid Felony Charges

Anthony Smith will return to competition Oct. 2 despite facing four felony charges stemming from a July arrest in Nebraska.

The former UFC heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight is scheduled to meet Jordan Heiderman in the main event of Gamebred Bare-Knuckle MMA 12 in the Dominican Republic, according to a Sherdog report. Smith was arrested in Sarpy County following an alleged domestic altercation and is currently out on bail. He has entered a not-guilty plea.

Gamebred FC Defends Smith Booking

Gamebred FC president and COO Lex McMahon released a statement defending the promotion's decision to book Smith while his case proceeds through the courts. The organization cited due process and Smith's need to provide for his family. "Anthony is facing serious allegations, and like every person in this country, he is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence while his case moves through the courts," McMahon wrote. "Taking away his ability to earn a living before he has had his day in court is not something Gamebred FC is willing to do to him or to the people who depend on him."

McMahon added that he and Gamebred FC co-founder Jorge Masvidal have known Smith for years and described him as a devoted family man, though the statement acknowledged the seriousness of the charges. The promotion said it would not comment further on the legal proceedings.

Smith left the UFC after a loss to Mingyang Zhang last year and scored a knockout win over Chase Sherman in his bare-knuckle MMA debut at Gamebred FC in April. His record stands at 39-22.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Anthony Smith set to return Oct. 2 amid four felony charges