Former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith has broken his silence for the first time since his arrest in late July on multiple felony charges, confirming his return home to his family and asserting his innocence.
Smith faces four felony counts in Sarpy County, Nebraska, including terroristic threats and first-degree false imprisonment, stemming from an alleged incident with his wife on July 26. Prosecutors alleged that Smith threatened his wife and attempted to strike her with a vehicle during an argument.
Earlier this week, Smith entered a not guilty plea, with his next court hearing scheduled for September 21.
“Character Is Revealed in Chaos” Taking to Instagram after being reunited with his family, Smith shared a photo alongside his wife and children.
“Happy to be home with my household full of ‘whys,'” Smith wrote. “I’ll be able to tell my story someday soon. Until then… you guys just keep making it up as you go. Character is revealed in chaos.”
His wife, Mikhala Renee Newman, also released a statement defending the fighter, clarifying that the incident was related to a mental health episode rather than domestic abuse.
“He is a good man, a great dad, and an incredible husband,” Newman wrote. “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.”
Cleared to Compete Abroad During his recent court appearance, the judge granted Smith permission to travel to the Dominican Republic from September 27 to October 3. Smith is set to continue his run in the Gamebred FC bare-knuckle MMA heavyweight tournament, where he previously submitted Chase Sherman in his debut as he pursues the $500,000 grand prize.
