Smith Pleads Not Guilty On Felony Charges

Anthony Smith entered a not guilty plea following his July arrest on four felony charges stemming from a domestic incident in Nebraska.

Court records show Smith's arraignment hearing scheduled for Aug. 17 was cancelled after he submitted his plea, MMA Fighting reports. The former UFC heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight contender is required to appear at a status hearing on Sept. 21 at 1:30 p.m. local time.

Details Of The Charges Against Smith

Smith faces one count of attempted class 2 felony and three class 3A felonies — terroristic threats and two counts of first degree false imprisonment. The class 2 charge carries a potential sentence of one to 50 years in prison. Each class 3A felony is punishable by up to three years in prison and 18 months of post-release supervision.

The Sarpy County District Attorney's Office alleges that on July 26, Smith threatened his wife during an altercation at a Gretna bar and forced her into his vehicle. Prosecutors claim he later used the vehicle to strike her multiple times, though she avoided physical harm.

Smith's wife, Mikhala Renee Newman, posted on social media after the arrest. "There's not a lot I can say right now," she wrote. "He is a good man, a great dad, and an incredible husband who loves us endlessly. They made a mental health struggle into something it wasn't. I am safe and always was safe."

Smith was released on $500,000 bond and has not commented publicly on the charges.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Anthony Smith pleads not guilty following arrest on multiple felony charges; next court date set for September