The March 2019 clash between Jon Jones and Anthony Smith at UFC 235 is still remembered with mixed reactions. Jones ended up on the verge of losing his title and was criticized for a legal issue involving a low blow to Smith who was on the ground. Rather than securing a quick victory via disqualification, Smith decided to keep pushing forward.
That bout marked the start of a bitter rivalry filled with public sparring and subtle warnings. Jones stirred unease in 2020 with strange comments related to Smith's residence after his wife was reportedly targeted in a break-in.
Smith is now dealing with a new troubling scenario. He was arrested Monday in Nebraska and charged with three felonies—terroristic threats, first-degree false imprisonment, and first-degree domestic assault—for reportedly trying to drive his car toward his wife. Smith was released on a $500,000 bond, ordered to stay away from his wife, and is scheduled to return to court Aug. 17. Anthony Smith's manager, Brian Butler of SuckerPunch Entertainment, issued the first comments from the UFC veteran's team following the arrest, stating that it would be inappropriate to comment on the allegations or speculate at this time. Butler emphasized Anthony's right to the presumption of innocence and due process, asking the public to avoid rushing to judgment. The Sarpy County District Attorney's Office alleged that Smith 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. Authorities further claimed Smith forced his wife into the vehicle and then attempted multiple times to use the vehicle to strike her after she escaped during the drive. Smith's wife ultimately avoided any physical harm, and Smith turned himself into police without incident following the issuing of a warrant. The combined weight of Smith's three charges, if convicted, carries a potential sentence of more than 20 years in prison.
Jones, who has faced legal troubles before, was questioned by fans on social media about Smith's situation. His reply on X said: 'I hope he prays. He can literally change any situation.'
Before that, Jones posted a vague message: 'Your boy over here looking more and more like Gandhi these days.' Although Smith is not directly named, the timing and context around the UFC community clearly point to his involvement.
Dana White, UFC CEO, reacted to Smith's arrest, saying, 'It can happen to anybody.' He added that the allegations were a surprise to him, drawing a parallel to his own recent public controversy involving domestic conduct. 'Well, he's one of those guys, too, you don't expect to see that happen,' White said. He also expressed hope that things would work out for Smith and his family. Speaking to The Mac Life, White shared his reaction to hearing the news of Smith's recent arrest. 'Well, he's one of those guys, too, you don't expect to see that happen. (From) personal experience, it can happen to anybody. 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 (via MMAjunkie.com). Dana White in Serbia for UFC Belgrade These days, White typically doesn't travel to other countries for UFC Fight Night cards as he has in the past, as there are essentially UFC events every week. With White promoting the UFC, Power Slap, and Zuffa Boxing these days, it doesn't leave a ton of time for him to travel around the world, especially for these UFC Fight Night events. However, he did make it a priority to head to Serbia for UFC Belgrade this Saturday. This is the UFC's first trip to Serbia, so clearly, it was very important for White to be at the event as he tries to help grow the UFC's foothold in Serbia and across Europe in general. The event is said to be sold out, with over 18,000 fans set to be in attendance at Belgrade Arena, making it seem likely that the UFC will travel back to Serbia in the future.
Anthony Smith's manager, Brian Butler of SuckerPunch Entertainment, released a statement following his client's recent arrest. On Monday, Smith was arrested in his native Nebraska on three felony charges of first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment. The former UFC fighter posted a $500,000 bond and was released on Wednesday, with the condition that he may not be in contact with his wife. He is scheduled to see a judge next on August 17. Anthony Smith's Manager Releases Statement In an exclusive statement given to Uncrowned, Butler provided the following statement about Smith's arrest. "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," Butler said in a statement about Smith.
Allegations Against Anthony Smith The allegations against Anthony Smith are extremely serious and left MMA fans in utter shock when they were revealed by prosecutors. "According to the attorney's office, Smith is accused of threatening to kill his wife if she did not go home with him following an altercation at a bar in Gretna, Neb., after which he grabbed her and pushed her into the vehicle. The attorney's office further alleges that investigators concluded Smith tried multiple times to hit his wife with the vehicle when she escaped during the drive, but that she was able to maneuver out of the way and avoid physical harm. A warrant was issued, and Smith later turned himself in, according to officials," the Sarpy County (Neb.) Attorney's Office told MMAjunkie.com's Nolan King about Smith's arrest. It is important to keep in mind that Smith is guilty until proven innocent. He will get his day in court, and until then, it is better to let the legal process run its course than to cast judgment, as upsetting as the details of the arrest are. Smith, 38, was a former UFC light heavyweight title contender and had 25 fights in the UFC, going 13-12 overall. He fought in two different stints in the UFC, first in 2013, and then from 2016 to 2025. He retired from mixed martial arts in 2025, but he returned to the cage in 2026 for Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA. "Lionheart" has also been working as an analyst for the UFC on Paramount+ since his UFC career ended. However, that role is currently on hiatus as he works his way through the legal system right now after his arrest in Nebraska."