Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith was arrested in Gretna, Nebraska on July 27, 2026, on three felony charges: domestic assault causing serious bodily harm, terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment. He turned himself in after a warrant was issued and appeared before a judge Wednesday, where bond was set at $500,000.

What Are the Charges Against Anthony Smith?

Smith faces three separate felony counts. The most serious, domestic assault causing serious bodily harm, is a Class 2 felony in Nebraska that carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The remaining two charges, terroristic threats and first-degree false imprisonment, are each Class 3A felonies carrying up to three years each, plus post-release supervision and fines.

A no-contact order prohibiting Smith from reaching his wife was issued at Wednesday’s bond hearing. His next court date is scheduled for August 17, 2026.

What Allegedly Happened the Night of Anthony Smith’s Arrest?

According to the Sarpy County Attorney’s Office, the incident began following an altercation at a bar in Gretna, Nebraska. Prosecutors allege Smith threatened to kill his wife if she did not return home with him. He then grabbed her and pushed her into his vehicle.

The Sarpy County Attorney’s Office told MMA Junkie: “Smith is accused of threatening to kill his wife if she did not go home with him following an altercation at a bar in Gretna, Neb., after which he grabbed her and pushed her into the vehicle.”

During the drive, Smith’s wife attempted to escape the vehicle on multiple occasions. Prosecutors allege Smith tried to run her over with the vehicle after she got out, though she managed to avoid being struck. The specific circumstances of how the incident came to the attention of law enforcement have not been publicly disclosed by Sarpy County authorities.

MMA Junkie were among the first outlets to report the arrest.

Who Is Anthony Smith? His UFC Career and Record

Smith, 37, is a former UFC light heavyweight contender with a professional record of 37 wins and 22 losses. Known as “Lionheart,” he competed in the UFC from 2016 through 2025, working his way up to challenge Jon Jones for the undisputed light heavyweight title at UFC 235 in March 2019, losing by unanimous decision.

Smith went on to earn further high-profile bouts against Glover Teixeira, Magomed Ankalaev, and Ryan Spann over the following years. His final UFC appearance came in April 2025, a first-round knockout loss to Mingyang Zhang at UFC Kansas City, his third consecutive defeat. The loss led to his release from the promotion.

After his UFC run, Smith transitioned into broadcasting as a UFC analyst and also returned to active competition in Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA tournament, where he won via first-round stoppage in April 2026.

What Happens Next for Anthony Smith After the Nebraska Arrest?

Smith remains out on $500,000 bond with conditions that bar him from contacting his wife. He is due back in Sarpy County court on August 17. If convicted on the domestic assault charge alone, he could face up to two decades behind bars.

Neither Smith nor his management had issued a public statement at the time of publication. The UFC, for which Smith has worked as a broadcast analyst since his release, has also not commented.

Whether his broadcasting role with the UFC continues in light of the charges remains an open question as the legal process gets underway.