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Dana White reacts to Anthony Smith’s arrest after alleged altercation with his wife: ‘Personal experience, it can happen to anyone’

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Dana White reacts to Anthony Smith’s arrest after alleged altercation with his wife: ‘Personal experience, it can happen to anyone’

Dana White has heard about the allegations surrounding his former fighter Anthony Smith.

Earlier this week, MMA Fighting confirmed that Smith was arrested and charged with first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment. Additionally, a statement provided by the Sarpy County District Attorney's Office received by MMA Fighting on Wednesday alleges Smith “reportedly threatened to kill†his wife, and “attempted multiple times†to strike her with his vehicle following an argument at a bar Gretna, Neb.

White is currently in Serbia ahead of Saturday's UFC Belgrade event. Following Friday's ceremonial weigh-ins, the UFC CEO was asked about Smith's situation.

“Well he's one of those guys, too, that you don't expect to see that happen,†White told The Mac Life. “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.â€

Smith was released on $500,000 bail on Wednesday and ordered by a judge to stay away from his wife. The one-time UFC title challenger is scheduled to appear in Sarpy County District Court on Aug. 17.

White was in the middle of a domestic situation himself over three years ago. While on vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on New Year's Eve, White was seen in a video talking to his wife Anne, who had her hands over her face before he grabbed her wrist and she responded by slapping him in the face. White then reacted by slapping his wife in the face as other people in the group moved to separate them while the argument continued. White was not punished by TKO for the incident, which he addressed on multiple occasions, saying there was no excuse for his behavior, while adding, “You don't put your hands on a woman ever.â€

Following UFC 329, White was asked about former fighter Dustin Poirier being arrested at an Atlanta airport for public drunkenness on Father's Day, where body cam footage was released a couple of days later that saw Poirier acting erratic and threatening a police officer, behavior Poirier has since apologized for. The question posed to White by MMA Fighting regarded if there was a wellness program offered to UFC fighters—past and present—much like fellow TKO entity WWE has had for many years. White confirmed that something was in place, but didn't go into detail when asked a follow-up question.

On Friday, White doubled down about the help the UFC provides for their athletes, but again, kept things vague.

“We do so much stuff for the fighters,†White said. “Not just the ones that are under contract with us, but ones that used to be, too.â€

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UFC Belgrade video: Navajo Stirling tears through Jan Blachowicz in first round, calls out Khalil Rountree and Paulo Costa

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August 1, 2026

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UFC Belgrade video: Navajo Stirling tears through Jan Blachowicz in first round, calls out Khalil Rountree and Paulo Costa

A new contender has emerged at light heavyweight after Navajo Stirling took out former champion Jan Blachowicz in the first round at UFC Belgrade.

Despite taking the fight on short notice, Stirling looked more than ready, especially after the dropped Blachowicz with a perfectly timed right had that sent the Polish powerhouse to the canvas. From there, Stirling was relentless with his ground and pound as he blasted Blachowicz with elbows until referee Marc Goddard stopped the fight with the end coming at just 2:56 in the opening round.

“I think about fighting, it all starts up here [in the head], you can make it happen,†Stirling said after his win. “It's an absolutely honor to be able to share the ring with a former champion like Jan Blachowicz.

“Honestly, we're all fighting each other so there can all be one winner but I'm a big fan of Jan. Just sticking to the game plan, I've got the best coaches in the world.â€

The light heavyweights were jockeying for position early with Blachowicz landing the first big shot after a slick jab caught Stirling off guard and rattled him briefly. Stirling had blood trickling down his face afterwards as he reset on the feet.

A moment later, Stirling uncorked a huge right of his own that hammered Blachowcicz as he was wobbled and stumbled backwards towards the canvas.

As Blachowicz hit the ground, Stirling jumped on top of him and immediately started blasting away with elbows including one that sliced open the former light heavyweight champion. The assault continued with Stirling just dropping bombs until the referee saw enough and rescued Blachowicz from further harm.

Afterwards, Stirling looked up the rankings and called for a fight against one of the top contenders in the division for his next outing.

“If [Khalil] Roundtree or [Paulo] Costa want to fight … I'll whoop that ass.â€

In a division that needs some excitement, Stirling is providing that, especially with his past two wins. As for Blachowicz, the former champion falls to 0-3-2 in his past five fights and at 43 years old, the clock might be ticking on his time left in the sport.

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UFC Belgrade Results: Navajo Stirling stops Jan Blachowicz in Round 1 (Video)

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6 hours ago

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August 1, 2026

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UFC Belgrade Results: Navajo Stirling stops Jan Blachowicz in Round 1 (Video)
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We have you covered for all of today's UFC Belgrade results, including the co-main event between Jan Blachowicz and Navajo Stirling.

Blachowicz (29-11-2 MMA) will be returning to the Octagon for the first time since his majority draw with Bogdan Guskov at UFC 323 this past December. The former title holder has gone 0-2-2 over his past four fights, suffering losses to Carlos Ulberg and Alex Pereira during that stretch.

Meanwhile, Navajo Stirling (10-0 MMA) will be looking to keep his perfect record intact this afternoon in Serbia. The 28-year-old was most previously seen in action 6 weeks ago, where he scored a second-round TKO victory over Ion Cutelaba (see that here). Prior to that triumph, Stirling was coming off a TKO win against Bruno Lopes this past March.

Round one of the UFC Belgrade co-main event begins and Jan Blachowicz looks to establish his jab. Navajo Stirling with a nice low kick. He lands another. Blachowicz with a jab to the body. A clinch and the former champion throws the youngster to the floor. After a brief moment on the canvas and we are back to standing. Stirling looks for a takedown. Blachowicz defends and lands a big left hook on the break. That appeared to stun the undefeated prospect. Navajo shoots again but is unsuccessful. A big combination from Navajo Stirling and Jan Blachowicz is hurt. The 28-year-old pounces on him with punches and elbows and the former champ is cut and bleeding. Jan Blachowicz goes down. Big ground and pound from Stirling and this one is all over! WOW!

Official UFC Belgrade Results: Navajo Stirling def. Jan Blachowicz via TKO (punches and elbows) at 2:56 of Round 1

Who would you like to see Stirling fight next following his first-round stoppage victory over Blachowicz this afternoon in Serbia? Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

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UFC Belgrade live blog: Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez

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6 hours ago

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August 1, 2026

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UFC Belgrade live blog: Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez

This is the live blog for Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez, the welterweight main event for Saturday's UFC Belgrade card at Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia.

Medic—currently No. 15 at 170 pounds in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings—is on a hot streak, with three first-round knockouts in his past three fights. The Serbian star has one mission and one mission only, to go for the finish or leave on his shield. In 16 pro bouts, Medic (13-3) has never gone to the scorecards. Following his recent win over Geoff Neal, Medic called for the UFC to bring an event to his country and now that his wish has been granted, the pressure is on him to deliver.

On the other side, Rodriguez (20-5) looks to get back on track after his career was recently derailed by an eight-month stint in a Mexican prison. Rodriguez is also on a three-fight win streak, having knocked off veterans Kevin Holland, Santiago Ponzinibbio, and Alex Morono, and now has to play the spoiler in front of a hostile crowd.

Check out the Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez live blog below.

Well that helped move things along!

UFC Belgrade has mostly been a fun show, but the heavyweight bought really brought the energy down. Fortunately, Navajo Stirling picked things back up, and there's almost no way this fight isn't fun.

Jason Herzog is the ref. There are 3 judges but I will be SHOCKED if they're needed.

Bruce Buffer gets things going and he's milking it a bit. But that's his thing, and the crowd is here for it.

We took our time with these walkouts. Rodriguez had a long walk to the arena, where he was loudly booed. Of course. And Medic's walkout was also long but fun as this arena seems very lively. Huge moment for him.

Medic is 6 years younger, but gives up 3 inches of reach. He is the favorite at -400 though, with Rodriguez at +310.

Buffer gets things going and this crowd is lively. Let's have fun!

Medic leads with a leg kick. Rodriguez does the same and it catches Medic in between, dropping him.

OHHHHHHHH! Rodriguez bounces forward and Medic explodes with a huge hook! Sends Rodriguez crashing to the canvas! Jumps on top and brings the thunder and this is over in seconds!!!!!!!!!!

Oh man, we've got soccer hooligan energy in this crowd with a man blazing some flares in the stands! Biggest moment of Medic's life and he delivered in the biggest way.

And the crowd is chanting his name. This is awesome.

Uros Medic def. Daniel Rodriguez via TKO (punches) — 0:30, Round 1.

Medic is on the verge of big emotions in his post-fight interview. The crowd is still chanting his name and he's clearly moved by it. He speaks to them before translating himself, saying it's been a really rough couple of weeks and that he didn't feel like he was home, even though he was on home soil. It's been nearly a decade since he's been in Serbia.

Then he gives a speech about leaving home when he was 22 and how he got here.

“I have so many words, I don't think we have enough time tonight. With that being said, I'm going to cook the rest of this division. With you guys by my side, we're going to bring the belt to Serbia.â€

Medic then says he's like to fight Carlos Prates, but knows he way ahead of him. Then calls out Leon Edwards, before sending us home.

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