Anthony Smith arrest details: What to know about former UFC fighter facing domestic violence charges
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Former UFC fighter Anthony Smith is facing three felony charges after an arrest Monday night in Nebraska.
The 38-year-old was arrested on domestic violence charges and held in custody until Wednesday, when he appeared before a judge and was released on a $500,000 bond. MMA Junkie also reported Wednesday that Smith is accused of threatening to kill his wife and attempting to run her over with a vehicle.
Smith challenged for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in 2019 and last fought on a UFC card in 2025, when he lost to Zhang Mingyang in his retirement fight.
Here's what we know about Smith's arrest.
MORE:Updated MMA schedule for 2026
Anthony Smith arrest details
Smith was arrested Monday night in Nebraska on charges of domestic violence causing serious bodily injury, false imprisonment and terroristic threats.
His release reportedly came with the condition that he can't have contact with his wife, Mikhala. Smith also can't leave Nebraska without permission and must stay out of other legal trouble if he wants to remain out of custody.
On Wednesday, MMA Junkie reported that, in a statement, the Sarpy County (Neb.) Attorney's Office said Smith is accused of " threatening to kill his wife if she did not go home with him following an altercation at a bar." Afterward, he allegedly "grabbed her and pushed her into the vehicle," and investigators also concluded that Smith "tried multiple times to hit his wife with the vehicle when she escaped during the drive."
According to the outlet, Smith's wife avoided physical harm after moving out of the way, and Smith later turned himself into police after a warrant was issued.
This is Smith's first reported run-in with the law. He found himself on the other side of the coin in 2020, when he said he fought off a home invader in a bizarre incident.
Anthony Smith charges
Smith is facing three felony charges:
- Domestic violence causing serious bodily injury
- False imprisonment
- Terroristic threats
Smith could face up to 26 years in prison if convicted, according to TMZ, though maximum sentences are extremely rare.
Anthony Smith UFC career
Smith has a 39-22 career record as an MMA fighter. He made his UFC debut in 2013 but didn't become a UFC regular until 2017.
Smith challenged Jon Jones for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in 2019, losing by unanimous decision in Las Vegas, but he went on to win four of his next six fights.
Earlier in 2026, Smith made his heavyweight debut with a win over Chase Sherman in the Dominican Republic. It was Smith's first non-UFC fight since 2016, as he retired on a loss to Zhang Mingyang in 2025.