Anthony Smith fights Jordan Heiderman at Gamebred FC amid pending felony charges

Anthony Smith will return to competition on October 2 at Gamebred FC’s heavyweight grand prix in the Dominican Republic, where he faces Jordan Heiderman in the main event. A judge overseeing Smith’s ongoing criminal case granted him permission to leave the United States to travel for the fight.

Smith was arrested and charged with multiple felonies following an incident in Nebraska that also involved his wife. He has since been released on bail and has pleaded not guilty. The case remains unresolved.

Following the booking announcement, Gamebred FC president and COO Lex McMahon issued a statement defending the promotion’s decision to allow Smith to compete while his legal proceedings continue.

“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,” McMahon said. “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.”

McMahon also cited Smith’s financial responsibilities as a factor in the decision. “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.”

The statement went on to describe the personal relationship between Smith, Gamebred FC founder Jorge Masvidal, and McMahon. “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 that we also know there is more to this story than has made it into the headlines.”

McMahon was clear that the promotion’s support does not constitute a position on the legal outcome. “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.”

Smith made his Gamebred FC debut in April, submitting UFC veteran Chase Sherman by rear-naked choke. The October 2 card marks his second appearance for the promotion and his first main event slot under the Gamebred banner.