Ex-UFC Star Anthony Smith Arrested on Felony Charges: Latest Updates
Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith has been arrested in Nebraska on three felony charges, including terroristic threats, false imprisonment, and domestic violence. The arrest occurred on Tuesday, and as of late that night, Smith remained in custody at the Sarpy County Jail without bond. According to reports, Smith has not yet appeared before a judge, leaving many details of the case unclear. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Smith, 36, retired from the UFC in April 2025 after a loss to Zhang Mingyang, during which he infamously flipped off the crowd in Kansas City. Despite never winning a UFC title, he came close in 2019 when he challenged Jon Jones for the light heavyweight championship. After retiring, Smith continued working as a broadcast analyst for the UFC and also signed with Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Fighting Championships, a bare-knuckle MMA promotion.
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, as Smith was widely respected for his toughness and longevity in the sport. He spent over a decade competing at the highest level, with notable wins over Alexander Gustafsson, Volkan Oezdemir, and Rashad Evans. However, his post-fighting career has now taken a dark turn with these serious allegations.
As the legal process unfolds, Smith’s future remains uncertain. The Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office has not released further details, and no court date has been set. Fans and analysts alike are awaiting more information, but for now, the former UFC star faces an uphill battle both legally and personally. This story is developing, and updates will be provided as they become available.
Shimanta Das 
