Former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith arrested on felony charges

Anthony Smith has been arrested on felony charges - (Getty)

Former UFC fighter Anthony Smith is facing multiple felony charges after being arrested in Nebraska.

An initial report by TMZ revealed Smith, 38, had been charged with first-degree domestic violence assault, terroristic threats and first-degree false imprisonment, as appeared in his arrest report.

He had been booked at Sarpy County Jail on Monday 27 July at 8:44pm local time, and The Independent was told he would be in court at 8am on Wednesday morning for a bond hearing.

Here, his bond was set at $500,000, with Smith required to post $50,000 (10 percent of the bond) to secure his release.

Smith has not fought in the UFC since suffering his third consecutive defeat in April last year (Getty)

Smith is alleged to have been involved in an altercation with his wife at a bar in Getna, during which he allegedly threatened to kill her if she did not get into his vehicle and go home with him.

He is further accused of grabbing her and pushing her inside the vehicle, who repeatedly made efforts to exit the car. Investigators allege that Smith attempted to run her over using the vehicle, but his wife was able to get out of the way and avoid any physical harm.

Smith turned himself into the authorities after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The court also ordered that Smith should have no contact with his wife. His next appearance will be on 17 August.

Former UFC fighter Anthony Smith is accused of threatening to kill his wife, forcing her into a vehicle, and trying to run her over multiple times

Witnesses say they heard gunshots coming from his home pic.twitter.com/hCEYm1EQsZ

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) July 29, 2026

If convicted, Smith could face up to 50 years in prison, which is the maximum sentence for domestic violence causing serious bodily harm in Nebraska, which is a Class 2 felony.

The charges of terrorist threats and false imprisonment, Class 3A felonies, also carry a maximum of three years’ imprisonment plus 18 months of post-release supervision, plus a $10,000 fine.

Smith has not fought in the UFC since his first-round knockout defeat to Mingyang Zhang in April 2025, a third consecutive loss that took his professional record to 37-22.

He made his UFC debut in 2016 and fought for the light-heavyweight title against Jon Jones three years later, which he lost on decision.

Smith most recently beat Chase Sherman under the banner of Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA, and has also been working as an analyst on UFC broadcasts.