A far more troubling picture has emerged in the felony case against veteran UFC fighter Anthony Smith after prosecutors revealed new details in court.
During Smith’s initial court appearance on Wednesday, a Sarpy County judge set his bond at $500,000 and ordered him to have no contact with his wife as a condition of his release. Prosecutors also outlined the allegations against the 38-year-old, who now faces charges of attempted first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment.
According to the Sarpy County Attorney’s Office, the alleged incident began after an altercation at a bar in Gretna, Nebraska. Prosecutors claim the former UFC light heavyweight title challenger threatened to kill his wife if she refused to get into his vehicle before allegedly grabbing her and forcing her inside.
Authorities further allege that after she managed to escape the vehicle during the drive, Smith repeatedly demanded she get back in and later attempted multiple times to strike her with the vehicle. Investigators say she avoided injury by moving out of the way.
Officials stated that an arrest warrant was issued on July 27, after which “Lionheart” turned himself in without incident. He is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 17. The Sarpy County Attorney’s Office declined to comment further, noting that the case remains pending and that Smith is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Smith has not publicly addressed the allegations. “Lionheart” retired from the UFC in 2025 before returning earlier this year to submit Chase Sherman under the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA banner while continuing his role as a UFC broadcast analyst.
