UFC chief Dana White comments on former fighter Anthony Smith's felony charges
UFC president Dana White said he hopes the situation resolves for former title challenger Anthony Smith, who faces multiple felony domestic-violence charges in Nebraska.
Anthony Smith, a former UFC middleweight title contender, was arrested in Nebraska on felony charges of first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats and first-degree false imprisonment. The allegations stem from an incident at a bar in Gretna, where prosecutors say Smith threatened his wife, forced her into a vehicle and attempted to run her over. He turned himself in after a warrant was issued, was released on a $500,000 bond and ordered to stay away from his wife. A court date is set for August 17.
Smith, 38, has not publicly responded to the charges and continues to work as an analyst for UFC broadcasts on Paramount+. He left mixed-martial-arts competition in April to join Gamebred Bareknative MMA, finishing his UFC career with a 13-12 record.
UFC CEO Dana White told The Mac Life that the allegations were unexpected. > "I don't know enough about it. I don't know enough of the details. I've been on the road this whole time, but I just hope it works out for him and his family and his kids," White said. He compared the situation to his own past legal issues, noting that personal problems can affect anyone.