Former UFC title contender Anthony Smith was arrested in Nebraska on three criminal charges. According to authorities, he threatened to kill his wife and repeatedly attempted to strike her with his vehicle, reports MMA Junkie, as cited by the website infohub.kz.
The incident occurred on July 26 at a bar in Gretna, Nebraska, according to prosecutors. A dispute broke out between the couple, during which Smith allegedly demanded his wife get into his car and go home with him. When she refused, he threatened to kill her, then grabbed her and forced her into the vehicle.
During the ride, the woman managed to get out of the car, but Smith continued threatening her and demanded she get back in, according to investigators. Upon arriving home, she again left the vehicle. Investigators say Smith then attempted to run her over multiple times. The woman was able to step aside and was not physically injured.
A warrant for Smith's arrest was issued on July 27. The fighter turned himself in to law enforcement and was taken into custody without incident. He faces charges of first-degree attempted domestic violence, making terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment.
After his first court appearance, the 38-year-old American was released on a $500,000 bond. The court also ordered him to have no contact with his wife and not to leave the state until the proceedings are concluded. The next hearing is scheduled for August 17. Smith has not publicly commented on the charges.
Smith last fought in the UFC in April 2025, after three consecutive losses. In 2019, he challenged for the light heavyweight championship but lost to Jon Jones.