Anthony Smith Pleads Not Guilty to Felony Charges

Anthony Smith pleaded not guilty to four felony charges stemming from a July domestic incident with his wife in Nebraska, and his case is now headed toward a September status hearing.

Court records confirm the former UFC light heavyweight contender entered the not guilty plea, which led to the cancellation of an arraignment hearing that had been set for Aug. 17. Smith is required to appear in court on Sept. 21 at 1:30 p.m. local time for a status update, according to court records.

What Charges Does Anthony Smith Face?

Smith faces four felony counts tied to the July 26 incident: an attempt of a class 1/1A/1B/1C/1D felony that is charged as a class 2 felony, a terroristic threats charge, and two counts of first degree false imprisonment. The class 2 felony carries a punishment range of one year to 50 years in prison, while the false imprisonment counts are class 3A felonies punishable by up to three years in prison and 18 months of post-release supervision, with no mandatory minimum.

The Sarpy County Attorney's Office laid out the allegations following Smith's arrest, saying the incident began at a bar in Gretna, Nebraska, where prosecutors allege Smith "threatened to kill her if she did not get into his vehicle and go home with him," and that "he is further accused of grabbing and pushing her inside the vehicle." Prosecutors further allege that after his wife exited the moving vehicle at one point and again after arriving home, Smith "attempted multiple times to use the vehicle to strike her," though she avoided physical harm both times.

Smith's wife, Mikhala Renee Newman, defended him publicly after the arrest. "I love Anthony with every ounce of my being. He is a good man, a great dad, and an incredible husband who loves us endlessly," she wrote, adding that she called for help "to protect him from himself." Smith has not commented publicly on the arrest or the charges.

What This Means for Anthony Smith's Bareknuckle Comeback

Smith retired from the UFC in 2025 and had been plotting a return to combat sports outside the organization, but a felony case with an active September court date puts any comeback timeline in serious jeopardy. Athletic commissions and promotions routinely decline to license fighters facing pending felony charges, particularly ones involving allegations of violence, and a status hearing that pushes into late September leaves little room for fight planning in the near term. Until the case resolves, any comeback bout involving Smith has to be considered up in the air.

Smith was released on $500,000 bond following his arrest and is due back in court on Sept. 21.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges does Anthony Smith face?

Anthony Smith faces four felony charges: an attempted class 2 felony, terroristic threats, and two counts of first degree false imprisonment, all stemming from a July 26 incident with his wife in Gretna, Nebraska.

Did Anthony Smith plead guilty or not guilty?

Anthony Smith pleaded not guilty to all four felony charges, which led to the cancellation of his Aug. 17 arraignment hearing.

When is Anthony Smith's next court date?

Anthony Smith is due back in court on Sept. 21 at 1:30 p.m. local time for a status update, and he is required to appear.