Former UFC fighter and ESPN analyst Anthony Smith faces felony charges after allegedly attempting to run over his wife with a car and threatening to kill her, according to prosecutors. The alleged incident occurred on July 26, 2026, following an altercation at a bar in Gretna, Nebraska.
During a bond hearing on Wednesday, prosecutors stated that Smith, 38, threatened to kill his wife, Mikhala Renee Newman, if she did not enter his vehicle and return home with him. He is also accused of grabbing and pushing her into the car. Once Newman exited the vehicle during the drive, Smith allegedly continued making threats and demanding she re-enter.
Upon arriving home, Newman again exited the vehicle, at which point investigators allege Smith attempted multiple times to strike her with the car. She was able to avoid physical harm, and was unharmed, according to reports.
An arrest warrant was issued the day after the alleged incident, and Smith turned himself in. He was subsequently released on $500,000 bond after being charged with attempted first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment. He faces up to 26 years in prison if convicted on all counts. Smith is scheduled to appear in court again on August 17. It is currently unclear if he has retained legal counsel.
Sarpy County Attorneys have declined further comment, stating that Smith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Smith previously worked as an analyst for ESPN and co-hosted the show MMA Today. He and Newman married in 2019 and have three daughters. The family resides in Omaha, Nebraska.
In a separate incident in 2020, Smith confronted a home intruder, engaging in a physical altercation with the individual before police arrived. Smith described the encounter as one of the toughest fights of his life.