Jones Offers Smith Advice After Nebraska Arrest

Jon Jones urged Anthony Smith to turn to faith after his former opponent was arrested Monday on felony domestic violence charges in Nebraska.

Smith faces charges of terroristic threats, domestic violence, and false imprisonment after Sarpy County police allege he threatened to kill his wife and forced her into a vehicle, according to MMA Junkie. Police claim Smith also tried to run her over with the car.

Jones Responds On Social Media

Jones addressed the situation on X when a fan mentioned the arrest. "I hope he prays," Jones wrote. "I know there's no problem too big for Jesus. He can literally change any situation."

The former two-division champion dealt with similar legal trouble in 2021 when he accepted a plea deal in a domestic battery case. Jones avoided jail time but paid $750 in restitution and completed anger management counseling.

Jones beat Smith by unanimous decision at UFC 235 in March 2019 to defend the heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight title. The fight turned controversial when Jones landed an illegal knee on a grounded Smith, who chose to continue despite the foul.

Smith posted $500,000 bond and was released from custody. The retired fighter faces up to 20 years in prison on the charges. His future as a UFC analyst for Paramount+ broadcasts remains uncertain following the arrest.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Jon Jones comments on former UFC foe Anthony Smith’s arrest: “There’s no problem too big for Jesus”