Ex-UFC star Anthony Smith accused of threatening to kill wife, attempting to run her over with vehicle - MMA Junkie

What the report says

USA Today’s MMA Junkie reported that former UFC title challenger and current broadcast analyst Anthony Smith was arrested after Nebraska authorities alleged he threatened his wife and attempted to strike her with a vehicle. The report said the Sarpy County Attorney’s Office provided details Wednesday after Smith’s first court appearance, where a judge set bond at $500,000 and ordered him to have no contact with his wife.

According to the attorney’s office as cited by MMA Junkie, the allegations stem from an altercation at a bar in Gretna, Nebraska. Prosecutors allege Smith told his wife he would kill her if she did not leave with him, then grabbed her and forced her into a vehicle. Authorities further alleged that after she got out during the drive, investigators determined Smith tried more than once to hit her with the vehicle, but she avoided injury. Officials said a warrant was issued and Smith later surrendered.

Smith, 38, faces three felony counts: first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats and first-degree false imprisonment. MMA Junkie reported that he is due back in court on Aug. 17 and had not publicly commented on the case at the time of publication. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Smith is known to MMA audiences for a lengthy UFC run that included a 2019 light heavyweight title fight against Jon Jones at UFC 235, which Smith lost by decision. The outlet noted he now works on UFC desk coverage and is no longer an active UFC fighter, though he returned from retirement for an April bout under the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA banner.