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UFC CEO Surprised as Anthony Smith Arrested on Assault Charges

7/31/2026

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Summary

Dana White Surprised

UFC CEO Dana White said he was surprised by Smith’s arrest.
Smith was arrested in Gretna, Nebraska on assault and false imprisonment charges.
He was released on a $500,000 bond and must appear in court Aug. 17.
Prosecutors allege Smith threatened to kill his wife, tried to run her over, and could receive 20 years if convicted.
The UFC has not decided if Smith will stay on its broadcast team.

Summary

Jones urges prayer

Jon Jones posted on X urging Anthony Smith to pray, saying “No problem too big for Jesus.”
Jones avoided jail after a September 2021 domestic-battery charge and credits his Christian faith for navigating a 2015 hit-and-run that earned a UFC suspension.
Smith retired after an April 2025 loss to Zhang Mingyang, returned in April to defeat Chase Sherman, and is among UFC fighters facing legal issues such as Dustin Poirier’s public-drunkenness arrest.

History

Historical Context

After O.J. Simpson’s 1995 criminal trial—an eight-month, televised saga that ended with his not-guilty verdict on October 3 and drew roughly 100 million viewers—the United States saw how celebrity status can shield athletes from swift punishment. Today, UFC fighters Anthony Smith, Jon Jones and Dustin Poirier face criminal charges, prompting the league to tighten conduct rules.

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Dana White Surprised

UFC CEO Dana White said he was surprised by Smith’s arrest.
Smith was arrested in Gretna, Nebraska on assault and false imprisonment charges.
He was released on a $500,000 bond and must appear in court Aug. 17.
Prosecutors allege Smith threatened to kill his wife, tried to run her over, and could receive 20 years if convicted.
The UFC has not decided if Smith will stay on its broadcast team.

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