Former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith is set to continue his legal fight after pleading not guilty to four felony charges stemming from an alleged domestic incident involving his wife earlier this summer.
The 38-year-old retired from mixed martial arts following a loss to Zhang Mingyang at UFC Kansas City last year. Since stepping away from competition, Anthony Smith has transitioned into broadcasting and become a prominent figure on UFC coverage for Paramount.
Now, the former UFC star faces a series of serious legal allegations. According to court records, Anthony Smith entered a not guilty plea after being charged with multiple felonies related to an incident that allegedly took place on July 26 in Gretna, Nebraska. Following the plea, an arraignment hearing originally scheduled for August 17 was canceled. Smith is now expected to appear in court again on September 21 for a status hearing.
The charges include terroristic threats, two counts of first-degree false imprisonment, and an additional felony offense. If convicted, Smith could face substantial prison time under Nebraska law.
Following Smith’s arrest, the Sarpy County Attorney’s Office released details regarding the allegations.
“During today’s bond hearing, a prosecutor from the Sarpy County Attorney’s Office offered the following information: It is alleged that on July 26, 2026, the defendant was involved in an altercation with his wife at a bar in Gretna, Nebraska, during which he reportedly threatened to kill her if she did not get into his vehicle and go home with him,” the statement read.”He is further accused of grabbing and pushing her inside the vehicle.”
Prosecutors also detailed events that allegedly unfolded after the couple left the bar.
“At one point, during the drive, she was able to exit the vehicle. The defendant allegedly continued making threats, demanding that she get back inside the vehicle. After arriving home, she again exited the vehicle. Investigators allege that the defendant attempted multiple times to use the vehicle to strike her. The defendant’s wife was able to get out of the way and avoid any physical harm.”
Authorities later arrested Anthony Smith, and he was booked into the Sarpy County Jail before being released on a $500,000 bond.
As of now, Smith has not publicly commented on the allegations or his ongoing legal situation. However, his wife, Mikhala Renee Newman, shared a statement on social media, describing the incident as a mental health crisis rather than an act of violence.
“There’s not a lot I can say right now,” Newman wrote. “I love Anthony with every ounce of my being. He is a good man, a great dad, and an incredible husband who loves us endlessly. Anyone who knows him can attest to that.”
“They made a mental health struggle into something it wasn’t. I am safe and always was safe. He would never hurt me. Ever. I called for help to protect him from himself.”
UFC CEO Dana White also addressed the situation recently, admitting he was surprised to hear about Smith’s arrest.
Before his retirement, Anthony Smith built a respected career inside the Octagon, earning notable victories over Alexander Gustafsson, Volkan Oezdemir, and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. He also made a brief return to combat sports earlier this year, submitting former UFC heavyweight Chase Sherman in the first round at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 9.
For now, Anthony Smith remains focused on the legal process ahead as he prepares for his next court appearance in September.
