Anthony Smith releases first statement since July arrest for multiple felony charges

Former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith has broken his silence following his arrest in late July on multiple felony charges. On Saturday, the fighter posted on Instagram announcing his return home to his family after initially being denied contact with his wife, who was involved in the incident that led to his arrest.

Smith faces four felony charges: an attempted class 1/1A/1B/1C/1D felony classified as a class 2 felony, terroristic threats, and two counts of first-degree false imprisonment (class 3A felonies). Class 2 felonies carry sentences ranging from one year to 50 years in prison, while class 3A felonies are punishable by up to three years in prison with 18 months post-release supervision.

According to prosecutors in Sarpy County, Nebraska, Smith allegedly became involved in an altercation with his wife at a bar in Gretna on July 26, where he reportedly threatened to kill her if she didn't enter his vehicle. The allegations further claim he grabbed and pushed her inside the car. During the drive home, she escaped the vehicle, but Smith allegedly continued making threats and attempting to use the vehicle to strike her multiple times. His wife managed to evade any physical contact.

Smith entered a not guilty plea earlier this week, with his next court date scheduled for September 21. "Happy to be home with my household full of 'whys,'" he wrote on Instagram, adding that he would "tell my story someday soon." His wife, Mikhala Renee Newman, defended him on social media, stating, "I love Anthony with every ounce of my being. He is a good man, a great dad, and an incredible husband who loves us endlessly."

The court has granted Smith permission to travel to the Dominican Republic from September 27 to October 3 for a professional sporting event. Following his UFC retirement, Smith has been competing in Gamebred FC's bare-knuckle MMA heavyweight tournament, which offers a $500,000 grand prize for the winner. He recently secured a submission victory over Chase Sherman in his tournament debut.