Anthony Smith Pleads Not Guilty, But His Legal Trouble Is Far From Over

While the courts have acted against the former UFC light heavyweight title challenger, he has now come forward to express that he is not guilty of any charges brought against him.

Anthony Smith Breaks Silence as July Arrest Takes a New Turn

According to the new developments in the case, Anthony Smith has denied the allegations made against him, entering a not-guilty plea following his July arrest in Nebraska over a domestic incident involving his wife. The court records confirmed Smith’s plea, which led to his Aug. 17 arraignment being cancelled.

Following the cancellation of his arraignment, the former UFC title challenger is now scheduled to return to court on Sept. 21 for a mandatory status hearing. The allegations date back to July 26, when Smith celebrated his 38th birthday.

However, after reportedly leaving a bar in Gretna, he allegedly threatened his wife, Mikhala, and demanded that she return home with him in his vehicle.

“At one point, during the drive, she was able to exit the vehicle. The defendant allegedly continued making threats, demanding that she get back inside the vehicle,” read the Sarpy County District Attorney’s Office’s statement at the time. 

“After arriving home, she again exited the vehicle. Investigators allege that the defendant attempted multiple times to use the vehicle to strike her. The defendant’s wife was able to get out of the way and avoid any physical harm.”

The very next day, Smith was arrested and faced three felony counts, including attempted first-degree domestic assault. He was later released on a $500,000 bond two days later. 

As of August 18, Smith has pleaded not guilty but still faces four felony counts. One is a Class 2 felony, carrying a potential 1–50-year prison term, while the other three are Class 3A felonies: one terroristic threat charge and two counts of first-degree false imprisonment.

However, even amid the ongoing fiasco, his wife has stood by him despite the allegations.

Anthony Smith Continues to Receive Support from His Wife

Despite the seriousness of the charges against him, it is important to note that Smith has not been convicted of any crime. While he has not personally addressed the media following the allegations, his wife, Mikhala, has come forward in his support.

“There’s not a lot I can say right now,” she wrote on social media following his arrest. “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.”

She further added, “Anyone that knows him can attest to that. They made a mental health struggle into something it wasn’t. I am safe and always was safe. He would never hurt me. Ever. I called for help to protect him from himself.”

With the new dates set for September, the MMA fighter’s fate now rests on the court’s decision. Having pleaded not guilty, he will now have to ensure he has enough evidence to support his case.