UFC Athlete Anthony Smith Charged With Domestic Assault and Threatened to Kill His Wife
Former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith is now facing three felony counts in Sarpy County, Nebraska, after prosecutors presented further allegations during his first court appearance. Smith was released on a $500,000 bond with conditions that bar contact with his wife and restrict him from leaving Nebraska without court permission.
Smith, 38, is charged with attempted first-degree domestic assault, first-degree false imprisonment and terroristic threats. The case had initially been described in booking records as domestic violence causing serious bodily injury, but the filed complaint identifies the domestic-assault count as an attempted offence.
Former UFC Fighter Anthony Smith Facing Three Felony Charges in Nebraska
Prosecutors allege the incident began on July 26 during Gretna Days in Gretna, Nebraska. Smith was allegedly removed from a concert after an altercation, before events involving his wife later unfolded, according to the account presented in court.
The prosecution alleges Anthony Smith threatened to kill his wife if she did not get into his vehicle and return home with him. He is accused of grabbing her and forcing her into the vehicle, while continuing to make threats after she got out during the drive.
At the couple’s Gretna home, prosecutors allege Smith attempted several times to strike his wife with the vehicle. She allegedly avoided being hit, while witnesses helped her and the couple’s children leave the property.
Further claims aired in court state that witnesses heard gunshots from inside the home after Anthony Smith went indoors. Prosecutors also said Smith had indicated he would kill himself if police entered the residence.
Smith’s defence indicated that he planned to stay with a family friend in Nebraska City after release. He waived a preliminary hearing, and his next court appearance is listed for August 17 in Sarpy County.
Smith challenged Jon Jones for the UFC light heavyweight title in 2019 and retired from UFC competition following a loss to Zhang Mingyang in 2025. He has since worked as an MMA analyst and competed in a Gamebred event earlier in 2026.
