Anthony Smith pleads not guilty to felony charges

Former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith entered a not guilty plea to multiple felony charges. “Lionheart” was arrested in July in Nebraska following an incident with his wife. ?Smith is accused of terrostic threats, two counts of false imprisonment and attempt of a class 1/1A/1B/1C/1D felony. He’s been ordered to appear in court for a status hearing on Sept. 21. He’s currently out on $45,000 bail. Days after the arrest, the Sarpy County District Attorney’s Office released a statement detailing the accusations against Smith. “It is alleged that on July 26, 2026, the defendant was involved in an altercation with his wife at a bar in Gretna, Neb., during which he reportedly threatened to kill her if she did not get into his vehicle and go home with him,” the statement read. “He is further accused of grabbing and pushing her inside the 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. 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.” Smith has not spoken publicly about the incident or the allegations against him. His manager, Brian Butler of SuckerPunch Entertainment, released a statement on Aug. 1 requesting people not rush to judgement. “We are aware of the reports concerning Anthony Smith’s recent arrest. At this time, it would be inappropriate to comment on the allegations or speculate regarding facts that have yet to be fully established,” Butlter wrote on Instagram.  “Like every individual, Anthony is entitled to the presumption of innocence and the due process protections afforded under our justice system. We respectfully ask that people avoid rushing to judgment based solely on initial reports, as they often do not reflect the complete facts or context,” the statement read.