Anthony Smith arrested on three felony charges in Nebraska
Former UFC light heavyweight contender Anthony Smith was arrested Monday evening in Nebraska and booked into Sarpy County Jail on three felony charges: domestic violence causing serious bodily injury, terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment. Circumstances remain unclear; he has not seen a judge and bond has not been set.
Key Takeaways
- Anthony Smith, 38, was arrested Monday at 8:44 p.m. and remains in Sarpy County Jail in Nebraska.
- He faces felonies for domestic violence causing serious bodily injury, terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment.
- The domestic violence count is a Class 2A felony carrying up to 20 years in prison.
- The other two counts are Class 3A felonies with up to three years each; bond has not been set.
- Details of what led to the arrest have not been released.
What charges is Anthony Smith facing?
According to MMA Fighting, which confirmed court records after an initial TMZ Sports report, Smith faces three felonies.
They are terroristic threats, false imprisonment in the first degree, and domestic violence causing serious bodily injury. He was booked shortly before 9 p.m. Monday and remains in custody.
In Nebraska, domestic violence causing serious bodily injury is a Class 2A felony with a maximum of 20 years. Terroristic threats and first-degree false imprisonment are Class 3A felonies, each carrying up to three years, plus 18 months of post-release supervision and a fine of up to $10,000.
Why does this arrest matter for Anthony Smith?
Smith is a well-known former UFC title challenger and frequent UFC broadcast analyst, so the case is drawing wide attention across MMA and celebrity breaking news coverage.
The domestic violence charge alone can mean decades behind bars if he is convicted. Combined with the other felonies, the exposure is significant even before any courtroom outcome.
Smith has not yet appeared before a judge. Bond has not been set, and the circumstances that led to the arrest are still unknown.
What is Anthony Smith's recent fighting background?
The 38-year-old is a former light heavyweight title contender who challenged for UFC gold in 2019 and lost to Jon Jones. He left the UFC after a knockout loss to Zhang Mingyang at UFC Kansas City in April 2025.
He did not stay retired long. Earlier this year he returned at Jorge Masvidal's Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA, submitting Chase Sherman in the first round in April.
This story is developing as more court information becomes available.