Anthony Smith pleads not guilty to four felony charges in Nebraska

Anthony Smith, a former UFC light heavyweight title challenger, has pleaded not guilty to four felony charges arising from a domestic incident in Gretna, Nebraska, on July 26. His plea cancels a scheduled arraignment and sets his next court appearance for a status hearing on September 21 in Sarpy County.

Smith faces one Class 2 felony count involving an attempted Class 1 offense, plus a terroristic-threats charge and two counts of first-degree false imprisonment (both Class 3A felonies). A Class 2 felony in Nebraska carries a potential sentence of one to 50 years in prison, while Class 3A felonies can result in up to three years of imprisonment and 18 months of post-release supervision.

According to prosecutors, Smith was involved in an altercation with his wife at a bar, during which he allegedly threatened to kill her, forced her into his vehicle, and later attempted to strike her with the vehicle after she exited it. His wife was not physically injured, prosecutors stated. Smith has made no public statement addressing the allegations. However, his wife, Mikhala Renee Newman, has characterized the incident differently, suggesting that Smith was experiencing a mental health crisis and that she sought help to protect him from himself.

Smith has not competed since 2021 and his fighting status remains uncertain while these legal proceedings continue.