UFC CEO Dana White comments on Anthony Smith arrest

Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith was arrested on July 29 in Nebraska on felony domestic violence charges, an incident that has drawn a public reaction from UFC CEO Dana White. Smith, who turned himself in to police after reports of gunshots, faces charges including threatening to kill his wife and could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison if convicted. He was granted a $500,000 bond and ordered to have no contact with his wife.

White commented on the arrest while in Serbia to promote the UFC's inaugural event in Belgrade. "He's one of those guys, too, that you don't expect to see that happen to, but from personal experience, it can happen to anybody," White told reporters. He added that he did not know the details of the case, having been traveling, but expressed hope that the situation works out for Smith and his family.

Smith's wife addressed the arrest in a social media statement on July 31, writing that she is safe and that Smith would never hurt her. She characterized the incident as a mental health struggle, stating, "I called for help to protect him from himself." Smith, a veteran of 24 UFC fights who challenged Jon Jones for the title in...