Anthony Smith is home again, and he wants everyone to know it.
The former UFC light heavyweight title challenger turned Paramount desk analyst posted a photo with his family on Instagram this week, breaking his silence for the first time since his arrest became public.
“Happy to be home with my household full of ‘whys’. I’ll be able to tell my story someday soon. Until then…you guys just keep making it up as you go ;)” he wrote.
The post arrives weeks after Smith, 38, was taken into custody following an alleged incident with his wife, Mikhala Renee Newman, whom he married in 2019.
According to the Sarpy County (Neb.) Attorney’s Office, the situation began at a bar in Gretna, Nebraska, and escalated from there.
“Smith is accused of threatening to k*ll his wife if she did not go home with him following an altercation at a bar in Gretna, Neb., after which he grabbed her and pushed her into the vehicle. The attorney’s office further alleges that investigators concluded Smith tried multiple times to hit his wife with the vehicle when she escaped during the drive, but that she was able to maneuver out of the way and avoid physical harm. A warrant was issued, and Smith later turned himself in, according to officials.”
A judge set his bond at $500,000, with the condition that he stay away from his wife. Smith has since appeared in Sarpy County court and pleaded not guilty to the felony charges against him, which include domestic vi0lence, terroristic threats and false imprisonment. His next court date is set for September 21, when he’s expected back for an arraignment hearing. If convicted, Smith could be looking at up to 20 years behind bars, a number that puts real weight behind what has otherwise played out as a story of headlines and speculation.
UFC CEO Dana White addressed the situation when asked, keeping his response brief and measured. He said he “didn’t expect” to learn about Smith’s situation, a comment that reflected the surprise rippling through the promotion given the analyst’s public image as a steady, family-oriented presence on broadcasts.
For now, the legal process moves forward on its own timeline. Smith remains free on bond, back with the family he referenced in his post, waiting for the arraignment hearing that will push the case further into the court system.
