Anthony Smith Held on $500,000 Bond in Nebraska Domestic Case

A judge in Sarpy County, Nebraska, set bond at $500,000 on Wednesday for former UFC fighter Anthony Smith, who is charged with domestic violence causing serious bodily injury, first-degree false imprisonment and terroristic threats. Judge George Thompson ordered Smith, 38, to have no contact with his wife as a condition of release. Smith also cannot leave Nebraska without court approval.

A criminal charge is an accusation, and Smith is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

What prosecutors alleged

At the hearing, prosecutors said the incident began Sunday night, after Smith was removed from a concert during Gretna Days following an altercation. They alleged that he threatened to kill his wife if she did not get into his vehicle and come home with him, and that he forcibly pushed her into it. According to prosecutors, the threats continued after she got out of the vehicle during the drive.

At the couple's home in Gretna, prosecutors alleged, Smith tried several times to strike his wife with the vehicle, and she avoided injury by jumping out of the way. They said witnesses helped his wife and the couple's children leave the house after Smith went inside, and heard gunshots from within. Smith told others he would kill himself if law enforcement entered, prosecutors alleged.

The Sarpy County Attorney's Office later issued a statement saying investigators allege Smith "attempted multiple times to use the vehicle to strike" his wife.

Court schedule

Smith's defense team told the court that if he posts bond he plans to stay with a family friend in Nebraska City. Smith waived his preliminary hearing, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 17 in Sarpy County.

The Omaha-area resident competed in mixed martial arts for 17 years and challenged Jon Jones for the UFC light heavyweight title in 2019. He retired from the UFC in 2025, then fought at a Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA event earlier this year. Smith is also an analyst on UFC broadcasts for Paramount and CBS Sports.

Source: NTV News (Nebraska)