Despite a recent, high-profile arrest for alleged domestic violence, former UFC star and commentator Anthony Smith will continue on in Gamebred FC’s heavyweight tournament.
Smith will face Jordan Heiderman in the second round of the Gamebred FC heavyweight tournament on October 2, 2026 in the Dominican Republic, headlining the card. Promotion officials announced the booking on Tuesday, and in doing so released a statement outlining their decision to continue working with “Lionheart” in light of his legal troubles.
“Anthony is facing serious allegations, and like every person in this country, he is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence while his case moves through the courts,” a statement by Gamebred FC President Lex McMahon, who runs the promotion alongside Jorge Masvidal, read in part. “He has pleaded not guilty, and that process deserves time to play out fully and fairly, on its own timeline, without a promotion, a headline, or public opinion getting ahead of the facts.”
“Anthony also has a family to provide for, and competing is how he does that. Taking away his ability to earn a living before he has had his day in court is not something Gamebred FC is willing to do to him or the people who depend on him.”
Smith’s arrest this past July saw him facing charges in Sarpy County, Nebraska on counts of making terroristic threats, false imprisonment in the first degree, and domestic violence assault causing serious bodily injury. They stemmed from an altercation with his wife that appeared to kick off at a concert venue, then spill into the family home, where Smith allegedly threatened to shoot himself if police were called.
The fighter was released on bond, to the tune of $500,000. Smith’s wife has since spoken out in support of her husband, calling him a “good man, a great dad, and a wonderful husband who loves us endlessly.”
McMahon’s statement appeared to echo that sentiment. “Jorge and I have known Anthony and his family for years. What we have seen, up close and over time, is a loving, devoted husband and father – nothing else. That doesn’t mean we are closing our eyes to what has been reported. It means we also know there is more to this story than has made it into the headlines, and we believe Anthony deserves the chance to tell it, fully, in the appropriate setting, not through speculation.”
“Our support for Anthony going forward is not a statement on the specifics of the case – those will be decided by the court, as they should be. It is a statement about fairness, about due process, and about standing by someone we know until we are given real reason not to.” The statement finished by saying that no further comment on the matter would be issued.
