Former UFC light heavyweight fighter Anthony Smith has been arrested in his home state of Nebraska on three separate felony charges.
According to TMZ, Smith was taken into custody Monday and faces charges of terroristic threats, first-degree false imprisonment, and domestic violence causing serious bodily injury. The domestic violence charge alone carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, while the other two counts each carry maximum sentences of up to three years.
As of the initial report, Smith had not yet appeared before a judge and no bond had been set, though the circumstances surrounding the arrest appeared serious.
Since retiring from active competition, Smith has worked as an analyst on UFC broadcasts, a role that will likely be paused while he navigates the legal proceedings ahead.
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TMZ later updated its reporting with additional detail from John W. Reisz, chief deputy Sarpy County attorney, who clarified that Smith was arrested on three felonies: attempted first-degree domestic violence, punishable by one to 50 years in prison; terroristic threats, carrying a potential sentence of up to three years along with a $10,000 fine and 9 to 18 months of post-release supervision; and first-degree false imprisonment.
Reisz confirmed Smith had a bond hearing scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday at the Sarpy County Correctional Center.
Smith, 38, has competed in 61 professional MMA bouts over the course of his career. He recently returned to competition following his 2025 UFC retirement, defeating Chase Sherman in his debut with Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA.
Smith turned pro in 2008 and fought extensively on the regional circuit before making his UFC debut in 2013, a fight he lost by submission to Antonio Braga Neto, resulting in his release from the promotion. After putting together a lengthy win streak on the regional scene and in Bellator MMA, he earned a second UFC run in 2016 and quickly established himself as a legitimate contender in the light heavyweight division.
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Wins over Rashad Evans, Mauricio Rua and Volkan Oezdemir in 2018 earned him a title shot against then-champion Jon Jones in 2019, a fight he lost by decision despite an illegal knee landed against him while grounded, an incident that could have earned him the belt via disqualification had he chosen to take it rather than continue fighting.
Smith retired from the UFC in 2025 with an overall promotional record of 13-12 across his two stints with the organization.
