Home / Crime and Justice / Ex-UFC Star Arrested on Felony Charges in Nebraska
Ex-UFC Star Arrested on Felony Charges in Nebraska
28 Jul
Summary
- Former UFC title contender Anthony Smith arrested Monday evening.
- Faces felony charges including terroristic threats and domestic violence.
- Domestic violence charge carries a potential 20-year prison sentence.
Anthony Smith, a former UFC light heavyweight title contender, was arrested in Nebraska on Monday evening and is currently being held in a local county jail. The 38-year-old fighter faces serious felony charges, including terroristic threats, first-degree false imprisonment, and domestic violence causing serious bodily injury.
The domestic violence charge is particularly severe, carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The other two charges could each result in a three-year sentence.
Smith, known as 'Lionheart,' last fought in the UFC in April 2025, losing to Mingyang Zhang. He had previously challenged for UFC gold in 2019, losing to Jon Jones. He briefly retired but returned to competition earlier this year, securing a first-round stoppage victory in Bareknuckle MMA.
As of the time of his booking, Smith had not yet appeared before a judge, and no bond had been set.
