Anthony Smith's wife releases statement regarding his arrest: "He is a good man"
Anthony Smith's wife, Mikhala Renee Newman, has finally broken her silence to address her husband's domestic violence arrest.
The legal issues surrounding Anthony Smith have caused many to pass judgment on him. However, his wife, Mikhala Renee Newman, who is the alleged victim in his domestic violence case, has released a statement on her now private Instagram account in defense of her husband.
Anthony Smith's wife speaks up about her husband's arrest
Mikhala Renee Newman has joined Brian Butler, Anthony Smith's manager, in defending her husband from public criticism. She released a statement praising his character, while disputing the details of his domestic violence arrest, which alleged that ther life was both verbally threatened and physically endangered. That, however, is not what Newman claims took place, instead asserting that she only contacted law enforcement to stop Smith from harming himself, and that she was never in any danger.
"There's not a lot I can say right now. 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. 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."
Anthony Smith’s wife on his arrest:
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) August 1, 2026
“I called for help to protect him from himself.” pic.twitter.com/qCqFukI261
In contrast to Newman's statement, the Sarpy County Attorney's Office stated that Smith is being accused of threatening to kill her, forcing her into his vehicle after she allegeedly refused to leave a local bar in his company, attempting to run her over with said vehicle, and making terroristic threats. He had his first hearing on July 28 and posted a $500,000 bond under the condition that he not contact his wife or leave the state of Nebraska. Smith's arrest came in the wake of his return to MMA following a short-lived retirement at UFC on ESPN 66, where Zhang Mingyang TKO'd him in round one, marking his third consecutive loss at the time. However, he rebounded from the loss in his return, submitting Chase Sherman in round one at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 9.
