Former UFC star Anthony Smith has been arrested for allegedly threatening to kill his wife.
The 38-year-old, who was allegedly heard shooting a gun before turning himself in to police, has received three felony charges following the incident in Nebraska on Monday.
Ex-light heavyweight Smith has been granted a $500,000 (A$710,000) bond under the condition he has no contact with his wife.
His court date has been set for August 18, and his wife has stuck by him despite the alleged domestic violence incident.
Speaking on social media, she said: “There’s not a lot I can say right now. I love Anthony with every ounce of my being. He is a good man, a great dad, and an incredible husband who loves us endlessly.
“Anyone that knows him can attest to that. They made a mental health struggle into something it wasn’t. I am safe and always was safe.
“He would never hurt me. Ever. I called for help to protect him from himself.”
Smith is yet to comment on the incident.
UFC boss Dana White was asked about the matter over the weekend, saying: “Well, he’s one of those guys, too, that you don’t expect to see that happen, but, personal experience, it can happen to anybody.
“So I don’t know enough about it, I don’t know enough of the details. I’ve been on the road this whole time. But I just hope it works out for him and his family and his kids.”
Smith turned professional in 2008 and fought for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in 2019, losing a unanimous decision to all-time great Jon Jones.
His last UFC fight came in April last year when he lost to Zhang Mingyang — his third defeat in a row.
Four months ago, Smith made his Gamebred Bareknuckle FC debut, beating Chase Sherman by submission in the first round.