UFC light heavyweight contender Anthony Smith has issued his first public statement since his arrest last month on charges of first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment. Smith posted bond of $500,000 on July 29 and has pleaded not guilty, with a court date scheduled for September. In a social media post on Saturday, the 38-year-old wrote, "I'll be able to tell my story someday soon," while his wife, Mikhala Renee Newman, has maintained that he "would never hurt" her and that she "was safe and always was safe."
UFC light heavyweight contender Anthony Smith has broken his public silence following his arrest last month, pleading not guilty to charges of first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment.
Smith, known by his nickname "Lionheart," posted bond of $500,000 on July 29. He addressed the situation through social media on Saturday, writing that he would "be able to tell my story someday soon." His wife, Mikhala Renee Newman, has also spoken publicly, stating that Smith "would never hurt" her and that she "was safe and always was safe." A court date has been scheduled for September.
The 38-year-old American fights out of Factory X and carries a professional record of 38-22 across his career in the light heavyweight division. Standing six-foot-four with a 76-inch reach, Smith has been one of the more durable and active presences in the 205-pound weight class, averaging 3.19 significant strikes landed per minute with 49 percent striking accuracy.
Why it matters
- Smith is an established light heavyweight name, and the charges carry serious legal consequences that could significantly affect his fighting career
- His not-guilty plea and his wife's public statement signal that the legal and personal dimensions of the case remain actively contested
- With a court date set for September, the timeline creates uncertainty around any near-term fight commitments or UFC scheduling
- The case draws attention to how athletic organizations handle serious legal proceedings involving contracted athletes
