Anthony Smith Lands Oct. 2 Gamebred FC Semifinal as 3 Felony Charges Loom

Q: How did Anthony Smith secure international travel approval for a fight while facing severe felony domestic violence charges?

He secured it through a judge’s order modifying his bond restrictions. After Smith was released, the court had barred him from leaving Nebraska without permission. Subsequent reports and court filings indicate the judge later granted a specific request allowing him to travel to the Dominican Republic for the Oct. 2 Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA event. The available reporting shows the approval was narrow, not open-ended. A Sarpy County judge authorized travel from Sept. 27 through Oct. 3 for what court documents described as a professional sporting event. He still must return and appear for his scheduled Sept. 21 status hearing, and the court reportedly kept other bond conditions in place, including no contact with the alleged victim. So the key point is that Smith did not bypass the restrictions; he obtained court permission despite them. Judges can allow out-of-state or international travel for defendants on bond if they choose, typically while weighing factors such as the defendant’s appearance obligations, the purpose of travel, and whether conditions of release can still be enforced. Reporting also notes Smith has pleaded not guilty and remains presumed innocent while the felony case proceeds. Gamebred FC cited that presumption and said it supported his ability to work while the matter is unresolved.

3 articles · Updated · MMA Junkie · Sep 2

Oct. 2 will see Anthony Smith face Jordan Heiderman in a Gamebred FC heavyweight tournament semifinal in Santo Domingo, less than six weeks after Smith’s arrest.
Three felony domestic-violence charges from a July Nebraska case shadow the booking; Smith has pleaded not guilty, and Gamebred FC defended the decision in a public statement.
DAZN will carry the bout, and a judge has already allowed Smith to leave the country for the fight.
Smith, 38, reached the semifinal by submitting Chase Sherman in the first round in April, ending a three-fight skid that preceded his UFC retirement in 2025.