Anthony Smith is facing new allegations in his Nebraska felony case after prosecutors outlined what they say happened before the former UFC light heavyweight title challenger was arrested and later released on $500,000 bond.
The update follows Smith’s July 27 arrest in Sarpy County and his later bond release in the same case. He is charged with attempted first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment.
A county statement released after the bond hearing said the alleged incident began on July 26, 2026, at a bar in Gretna, Nebraska.
Prosecutors Detail The Alleged Incident
“It is alleged that on July 26, 2026, the defendant was involved in an altercation with his wife at a bar in Gretna, Neb., during which he reportedly threatened to kill her if she did not get into his vehicle and go home with him.”
“He is further accused of grabbing and pushing her inside the vehicle.”
“At one point, during the drive, she was able to exit the vehicle. The defendant allegedly continued making threats, demanding that she get back inside the vehicle. After arriving home, she again exited the vehicle. Investigators allege that the defendant attempted multiple times to use the vehicle to strike her. The defendant’s wife was able to get out of the way and avoid any physical harm.”
The same case had already moved once Wednesday when Smith posted bond. As part of the bond order, Smith was told to stay away from his wife and have no contact with her while the case is pending.
The criminal complaint lists attempted first-degree domestic assault as a Class II felony. Terroristic threats and first-degree false imprisonment are listed as Class IIIA felonies.
The complaint identifies Smith’s wife as the alleged victim and says the offenses occurred in Sarpy County. It accuses Smith of taking a substantial step toward causing serious bodily injury, threatening a crime of violence with intent to terrorize, and knowingly restraining or abducting her under circumstances that exposed her to the risk of serious bodily injury. Sarpy County Deputy Attorney Matthew Volker signed the complaint on July 29.
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
The embedded video shows Smith being asked, “Do you understand the three counts that have been filed against you?” He answers, “Yes.”
The clip also says witnesses helped Smith’s wife and their children leave the home after Smith went inside. It says witnesses heard gunshots from the home, and that prosecutors told the court Smith had made a statement about killing himself if law enforcement came inside.
Prosecutors said a warrant was issued on July 27 and Smith turned himself in without incident. Smith was booked into Sarpy County Jail shortly before 9 p.m. Monday. The next scheduled hearing is Aug. 17 in Sarpy County District Court.
The arrest affidavit was sealed earlier in the process, so the public record has been limited to the complaint, the bond order, and the prosecutor’s statement from the first appearance.
“Given that the case is pending trial, the Sarpy County Attorney’s Office will not provide any further comment on the allegations.”
“The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”
Smith, 38, challenged Jon Jones for the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 235 in 2019 after wins over Rashad Evans, Mauricio Rua, and Volkan Oezdemir during his move up to light heavyweight. His UFC run later ended after three straight losses to Roman Dolidze, Dominick Reyes, and Zhang Mingyang, with Smith announcing his retirement after the Zhang fight.
He returned to combat sports in April and submitted Chase Sherman by rear-naked choke in the first round under Jorge Masvidal’s bare-knuckle MMA banner. The win moved his pro MMA record to 39-22, with 20 knockout wins and 16 submissions.
Smith has also remained visible as a UFC broadcast analyst, which is why the case has carried beyond his recent competition return. His most recent MiddleEasy coverage centered on the bond order and no-contact condition before the prosecutor’s new allegation summary became public.
Smith has not publicly addressed the new allegation summary. The charges remain pending, and the Aug. 17 district court date is the next listed step.
