MMA fighter Anthony Smith arrested on domestic violence charges

MMA veteran Anthony Smith is in jail in Sarpy County, Nebraska, facing severe domestic violence charges. Authorities have not officially identified the victim, but U.S. media reports suggest it is his wife, Mikhali Renee Newman, with whom he has four daughters.

Smith, 38, was arrested Monday. He faces charges including inflicting serious bodily injury, making terroristic threats, and first-degree unlawful imprisonment. He is currently held without bail and has not yet appeared before a judge for a hearing.

If convicted of inflicting serious bodily injury during domestic violence, Smith could face up to 20 years in prison under Nebraska law. The other two charges carry a maximum of three years each.

Smith, known as "Lionheart" for his toughness, had a notable career, including a 2019 light heavyweight title fight against Jon Jones. He recently transitioned to bare-knuckle MMA after a brief retirement from the UFC and also works as a UFC analyst.