Gamebred FC has officially announced Anthony Smith vs. Jordan Heiderman, scheduled for October 2, 2026, in the Dominican Republic. The bare-knuckle promotion confirmed Smith will remain on the card despite his ongoing legal case, citing a presumption of innocence and his need to support his family. A judge has granted Smith permission to travel to the Dominican Republic from September 27 to October 3 for the fight, with the next key legal hearing set for September 21.
Gamebred FC has officially announced a bare-knuckle contest between Anthony Smith and Jordan Heiderman, set for October 2, 2026, in the Dominican Republic.
Smith, known as "Lionheart," brings a professional record of 38-22-0 into the fight. The 38-year-old American, who trains out of Factory X, built his name competing at light heavyweight in the UFC, where his six-foot-four frame and 76-inch reach made him a consistent threat in the division. An orthodox striker, Smith averaged 3.19 significant strikes per minute over his career at a 49 percent striking accuracy clip, while also showing willingness to mix in submission attempts on the ground. Heiderman's verified statistics were not available at the time of this report.
The announcement comes with notable off-cage context. Smith is currently navigating an ongoing legal case, but the promotion confirmed he will remain on the card, publicly citing a presumption of innocence and acknowledging his need to support his family. A judge has granted Smith permission to travel from the United States to the Dominican Republic between September 27 and October 3 specifically for the bout, with the next significant legal hearing in his case scheduled for September 21.
Why it matters
- Smith's transition to bare-knuckle competition marks a notable career pivot for one of light heavyweight's most recognizable veterans.
- The legal situation adds a layer of uncertainty heading into the event, with the September 21 hearing falling just eleven days before fight night.
- A win for either man in a high-profile Gamebred FC slot would raise their visibility in the growing bare-knuckle landscape.
