Dana White On Smith's Arrest After Wife Altercation

Dana White weighed in on Anthony Smith's arrest this week, drawing on his own history with domestic incidents when asked about the charges facing the former UFC contender.

Smith was arrested and charged with first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment, MMA Fighting confirmed earlier this week. The Sarpy County District Attorney's Office said Smith allegedly threatened to kill his wife and tried multiple times to hit her with his vehicle after an argument at a Nebraska bar.

White Says 'It Can Happen To Anybody'

Speaking in Serbia ahead of UFC Belgrade, White told The Mac Life that Smith was among the fighters he would not have expected to face such charges. "But — personal experience — it can happen to anybody," he said. White added that he had not followed the details closely while traveling overseas and said he hoped the situation would work out for Smith and his family.

Smith posted $500,000 bail on Wednesday and was ordered to stay away from his wife. He is scheduled to appear in Sarpy County District Court on Aug. 17.

White was involved in a domestic incident himself on New Year's Eve over three years ago in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where video showed him and his wife Anne exchanging slaps during an argument. White was not disciplined by TKO and later said there was no excuse for his actions.

When asked about support systems for fighters after Dustin Poirier's recent arrest, White confirmed the UFC provides resources to current and former athletes but offered few specifics. "We do so much stuff for the fighters," he said Friday. "Not just the ones that are under contract with us, but ones that used to be, too."

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• MMA Fighting — Dana White reacts to Anthony Smith’s arrest after alleged altercation with his wife: ‘Personal experience, it can happen to anyone’