Ex-UFC fighter Anthony Smith stopped by barrage of punches in first fight following arrest

Anthony Smith's comeback to fighting has ended in disappointing fashion. The former UFC title challenger faced PFL veteran Jordan Heiderman in the main event of Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA's tournament card in the Dominican Republic on Friday night. Smith was taken down in the second round and overwhelmed by a barrage of punches, prompting referee stoppage at 2:17. The bout carried a $500,000 prize pool as part of the promotion's tournament format.

Smith, a one-time UFC lightweight title contender, had made his Gamebred debut earlier this year with a stoppage victory over Chase Sherman in April. Friday's loss marks a sharp reversal in his return to the sport following his arrest in July. Smith was charged with four felonies stemming from a domestic incident with his wife in Nebraska, including terroristic threats and first-degree false imprisonment. He entered a not guilty plea on August 17. Smith and his wife have disputed the circumstances surrounding the arrest, and he was granted permission by the court to travel to the Dominican Republic for this bout during a recent hearing.

The stoppage loss underscores the challenges Smith faces as he attempts to rebuild his career while navigating ongoing legal proceedings.