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Anthony Smith’s manager, Brian Butler of SuckerPunch Entertainment, on Friday issued the first comments from the UFC veteran’s team following Smith’s arrest in Nebraska .
Smith was arrested Monday and booked into Sarpy County Jail on three potential felony charges for terroristic threats, first-degree false imprisonment and first-degree domestic assault. In an exclusive statement given to Uncrowned, Butler addressed the allegations:
We are aware of the reports concerning Anthony Smith’s recent arrest. At this time, it would be inappropriate to comment on the allegations or speculate regarding facts that have yet to be fully established.
Like every individual, Anthony is entitled to the presumption of innocence and the due process protections afforded under our justice system. We respectfully ask that people avoid rushing to judgment based solely on initial reports, as they often do not reflect the complete facts or context.
Our thoughts are with Anthony and his family as they navigate this difficult and deeply personal matter. We ask that their privacy be respected while the legal process runs its course.
Out of respect for the ongoing proceedings, we will have no further comment at this time.
Smith, 38, was released from custody Wednesday after posting a $500,000 bond. The one-time UFC title challenger and longtime UFC broadcast analyst is barred from making any contact with his wife, as a condition of his bond, and is prohibited from leaving Nebraska without a judge's permission. He is due back in court on Aug. 17.
In a statement issued Wednesday , the Sarpy County District Attorney's Office alleged that Smith "was involved in an altercation with his wife at a bar in Gretna, Neb., during which he reportedly threatened to kill her if she did not get into his vehicle and go home with him." Authorities further claimed Smith forced his wife into the vehicle and then "attempted multiple times to use the vehicle to strike her" after she escaped during the drive. Smith's wife ultimately avoided any physical harm and Smith turned himself into police without incident following the issuing of a warrant.
The combined weight of Smith's three charges, if convicted, carries a potential sentence of more than 20 years in prison.
Smith (39-22) retired from UFC competition in 2025 following a nine-year, 24-fight run with the company that saw him unsuccessfully challenge Jon Jones for the UFC light heavyweight title in 2019. He doubled as a television analyst on UFC broadcasts for the final several years of his fighting career, and has continued to do so in UFC retirement.
Smith returned to broader combat sports competition in April with a first-round submission of Chase Sherman in a bare-knuckle MMA bout as part of Gamebred FC's ongoing $500,000 heavyweight tournament .
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