Ex-UFC championship contender Anthony Smith is set to make his fighting comeback next month, notwithstanding his late domestic violence booking.
Even with the threat of incarceration looming over domestic abuse allegations and additional counts, the veteran UFC athlete Anthony Smith is scheduled to compete under Jorge Masvidal’s promotional banner.
The organization Gamebred FC has declared that the 38-year-old Smith is slated to participate in the upcoming stage of their heavyweight tournament, happening on October 2nd in the Dominican Republic. In the headlining matchup, Smith is set to face off against Jordan Heiderman, who previously competed as a prospect in the Professional Fighters League.
This fight booking follows Smith entering a plea of not guilty to accusations of domestic violence, unlawful confinement, and other counts linked to a July dispute involving his spouse. Currently out after posting a half-million dollar bond, the former title challenger could be sentenced to a maximum of two decades behind bars if found guilty.
A substantial number of mixed martial arts enthusiasts expressed disapproval toward Gamebred FC for organizing Smith’s comeback while his legal troubles remain unresolved. In response to the backlash, Gamebred FC soon released an online statement to back up their move.
Gamebred FC stands by decision to book Anthony Smith ahead of his legal trial
President Lex McMahon of Gamebred FC issued a public message addressing the contentious timing of Smith’s return to action.
“With the announcement of Anthony Smith stepping back into the Gamebred FC arena, I wish to clarify our promotion’s stance. Anthony faces severe accusations, yet just like any citizen of this nation, he deserves the right to due process and remains innocent until proven guilty as his legal proceedings unfold,” the official commentary regarding Smith’s return explained.
“He has entered a not-guilty plea, and we believe the legal system should run its course completely and equitably, according to its own schedule, without media stories, promotional bias, or the court of public opinion overshadowing the evidence. Furthermore, Anthony supports a family, and fighting is his primary source of income. Stripping him of his livelihood before his trial takes place is something Gamebred FC refuses to do to him and his dependents…”
The complete statement from Gamebred FC concerning Smith’s upcoming bout can be viewed here.
Smith initially walked away from active MMA competition last year after being defeated by Mingyang Zhang at UFC Kansas City, though he reversed that decision earlier this year to fight at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 9. He is slated to appear back in a Nebraska courtroom later in the year.
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This piece originally was published on BJPENN.COM
