Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith will return to fighting next month despite his recent domestic violence arrest.

Despite facing time in prison for domestic violence and other charges, former UFC star Anthony Smith will fight in the cage in Jorge Masvidal’s promotion.

Gamebred FC announced that Smith, 38, will fight in the next round of the promotion’s heavyweight tournament on October 2nd in the Dominican Republic. Smith will fight Jordan Heiderman, a former Professional Fighters League prospect, in the main event.

Smith’s fighting return was booked after the former UFC title challenger pleaded not guilty to domestic violence, false imprisonment, and other charges stemming from an altercation with his wife in July. He was released on $500,000 bond and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Many fight fans criticized Gamebred FC for announcing Smith’s return amidst his ongoing legal issues. Shortly after the announcement, Gamebred FC defended its decision in a social media post.

Gamebred FC defends booking Anthony Smith for return as he awaits trial

Gamebred FC released a statement from President Lex McMahon on the timing of Smith’s controversial comeback.

“As we announced Anthony Smith’s return to the Gamebred FC cage, I want to speak directly about where our organization stands. 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,” the statement on Smith’s return read.

“He has pleaded not guilty, and that process deserves 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 to the people who depend on him…”

You can read Gamebred FC’s full statement on Smith’s fight here.

Smith retired from Mixed Martial Arts last year following a loss to Mingyang Zhang at UFC Kansas City, before returning to the cage earlier this year at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 9. He’s scheduled to return to court in his native Nebraska later this year.

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