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.

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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.

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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