Anthony Smith Releases Statement After Felony Arrest

Former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith broke his silence Saturday with his first public statement since his arrest in late July on four felony charges.

Smith posted to Instagram celebrating his reunion with family after prosecutors initially barred contact with his wife, who was involved in the incident that led to his arrest in Gretna, Nebraska. The charges include attempted commission of a class 1 felony, terroristic threats, and two counts of first-degree false imprisonment, according to MMA Fighting.

Smith Enters Not Guilty Plea Ahead of September Hearing

"Happy to be home with my household full of 'whys,'" Smith wrote. "I'll be able to tell my story someday soon. Until then…you guys just keep making it up as you go. Character is revealed in chaos." He entered a not guilty plea earlier this week with his next court appearance scheduled for Sept. 21.

Sarpy County prosecutors allege Smith threatened to kill his wife during an altercation at a bar on July 26, forced her into his vehicle, and later attempted to strike her with the vehicle at their home. Class 2 felonies carry sentences from one to 50 years; class 3A felonies carry a maximum three-year term. Smith's wife defended him on social media, writing he "would never hurt me" and calling the charges a mischaracterization of "a mental health struggle."

A judge granted Smith permission to travel to the Dominican Republic from Sept. 27 to Oct. 3 for a professional sporting event. Smith competed in the Gamebred FC bare-knuckle MMA heavyweight tournament after retiring from the UFC, submitting Chase Sherman in his debut. The tournament offers a $500,000 grand prize to the winner.

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• MMA Fighting — Anthony Smith releases first statement since July arrest for multiple felony charges