Anthony Smith’s wife has publicly defended him after his Nebraska arrest, saying she was safe and that she called for help because of what she described as a mental-health struggle.
Smith is facing felony charges in Sarpy County after prosecutors alleged a July 26 incident involving his wife. He later left jail after posting $500,000 bond, and the charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
The public posts carrying the new family and management statements are below.
Anthony Smith’s wife makes a statement regarding his arrest.
— Dovy (@DovySimuMMA) August 1, 2026
Statement from Anthony Smith’s manager, Brian Butler, on Smith’s recent arrest.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 31, 2026
Smith’s Wife Says She Was Always Safe
Her full statement read:
“There’s not a lot I can say right now. 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. Anyone that knows him can attest to that. They made a mental health struggle into something it wasn’t. I am safe and always was safe. He would never hurt me. Ever. I called for help to protect him from himself.”
That statement now sits beside the existing bond conditions, which included a no-contact order while the legal case continues.
Brian Butler Asks Public Not To Rush Judgment
Smith’s manager, Brian Butler, released a separate statement. It read:
“We are aware of the reports concerning Anthony Smith’s recent arrest. At this time, it would be inappropriate to comment on the allegations or speculate regarding facts that have yet to be fully established.”
“Like every individual, Anthony is entitled to the presumption of innocence and the due process protections afforded under our justice system. We respectfully ask that people avoid rushing to judgment based solely on initial reports, as they often do not reflect the complete facts or context.”
“Our thoughts are with Anthony and his family as they navigate this difficult and deeply personal matter. We ask that their privacy be respected while the legal process runs its course.”
“Out of respect for the ongoing proceedings, we will have no further comment at this time.”
The manager’s statement arrived after Smith’s case had already drawn reactions from around the fight world, including Jon Jones commenting on Smith’s arrest and Brendan Schaub discussing retired fighters, alcohol, and post-career problems.
The Case Remains Active In Nebraska
Prosecutors previously alleged Smith threatened his wife, grabbed and pushed her inside a vehicle, and later attempted to strike her with the vehicle. Smith is charged with attempted first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment.
Smith has spent most of the year in a very different kind of spotlight. He retired from UFC competition after his loss to Zhang Mingyang, then returned under the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA banner and submitted Chase Sherman in the first round.
The 38-year-old carries a listed 39-22 professional MMA record. His UFC run included a 2019 light heavyweight title challenge against Jones at UFC 235 and wins over Mauricio Rua, Rashad Evans, Volkan Oezdemir, Hector Lombard, and Alexander Gustafsson.
Smith’s next listed court date is Aug. 17 in Sarpy County District Court. Until then, the public record is a split picture: felony allegations on one side, and a new family statement saying the incident was about Smith needing help on the other.
