UFC CEO Dana White has responded to the recent arrest of former fighter Anthony Smith, claiming it could “happen to anybody.”

Smith was arrested this week for allegations of felony domestic violence and threatening to kill his wife. According to reports, gun shots were heard prior to the former UFC fighter turning himself over to the police. He was granted a $500,000 bond and was ordered to have no contact with his wife, and now faces up to 20 years in prison depending on potential convictions.

Smith made his UFC debut back in 2016 and fought 24 times for the promotion. He had an overall MMA record of 39 wins and 22 defeats. His most famous night in the company came when he fought Jon Jones in 2019 for the UFC light heavyweight title, but he fell short on that occasion, losing via unanimous decision.

Smith last fought in the UFC in April, where he lost to Zhang Mingyang, before competing in Gamebred Bareknuckle later that month. While not competing, he has also worked as an analyst on UFC broadcasts.

Anthony Smith’s Wife Releases Statement

On Friday, Smith’s wife addressed the situation via social media and stated: “There’s not a lot I can say right now. I love Anthony with every ounce of my being. He is a good man, a great dad, and an incredible husband who loves us endlessly. Anyone that knows him can attest to that.

Anthony Smith has yet to publicly address the situation.

Dana White Reacts to Anthony Smith’s Arrest

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Following this incident, Dana White was asked about the arrest while in Serbia to promote the UFC Belgrade event and said: “Well, he’s one of those guys, too, that you don’t expect to see that happen, but, personal experience, it can happen to anybody.

White has had his own marital issues, as, in 2023, a video surfaced of the UFC president dancing with his wife in a club before things escalated, with her slapping him before he retaliated with multiple strikes of his own.

This is not the only recent UFC controversy either, as former lightweight contender Dustin Poirier was arrested at an airport last month for public intoxication, and while the incident is much less severe, questions will be raised over whether the UFC should do more for their current and former fighters.

Everton are preparing a bid to sign Manchester United forward Ethan Wheatley, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Toffees have had a good window so far, bringing in Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough before turning the loans of both Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George permanent. But David Moyes is still keen to strengthen the attack more after disappointing campaigns from Beto and Thierno Barry last time out.

Now, the club have turned their attention to Old Trafford for a highly-rated young striker, as they look for alternatives to their current options.

Everton Prepare Wheatley Bid

Writing on his X account, Romano has revealed that the Merseyside club are showing a strong interest in the Man Utd youngster, and a formal bid is being prepared.

“Everton are interested in Man Utd talented striker Ethan Wheatley,” he wrote.

“Everton preparing a proposal to make formal approach with Man Utd soon for the 20-year-old forward.”

Wheatley has made three Premier League appearances for Man Utd, coming on as a substitute against Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, and Arsenal during Erik Ten Hag’s reign as manager.

Since then, the 6ft 2 forward has had loan spells at Walsall, Northampton Town, and Bradford City, but he has struggled to make a big impact at any of those clubs, registering just three goals in 40 appearances for those three clubs.

Everton Move for Wheatley is Odd

It’s very clear that Everton need new additions in attack this summer if they want to start climbing the Premier League table. Beto has managed just 25 goals in 111 appearances over three seasons for the club, while last summer’s big signing Barry managed just eight goals in his debut season in 41 appearances.

With Jack Grealish having returned to Man City, and star forward Iliman Ndiaye being heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, they are likely to be even shorter of creativity and quality in the final third.

But Wheatley is a 20-year-old forward with limited first-team experience, so it’s hard to see how adding him to the first-team picture would help solve that issue. He clearly has talent, as his youth record shows, but it doesn’t always translate, and Everton must ensure they don’t overspend on this deal.

Andy Robertson made his first start for Tottenham Hotspur as they beat Premier League rivals Chelsea in their Sydney Super Cup clash on Saturday.

Roberto De Zerbi fielded a strong Spurs XI for the match at Accor Stadium. New signings Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and Sandro Tonali all featured, as did Conor Gallagher, Dominic Solanke and Mathys Tel.

Tottenham managed to come away with the victory despite being reduced to 10 men early in the second half.

Tonali gave Spurs the lead in the 17th minute, only for Esteavo to restore parity four minutes later. Kevin Danso was shown a red card for dragging down Joao Pedro when he was through on goal minutes after the restart.

However, Chelsea couldn’t make their advantage count and Spurs won the match with virtually the last kick of the game when Richarlison tapped home.

Andy Robertson Makes First Tottenham Start

REUTERS/Hollie Adams

Robertson made his first appearance for Spurs a few days ago when he starred in their penalty shootout victory vs Sydney FC. The 32-year-old, who entered the fray in the second half, was praised by Spurs fans for his performance.

The former Liverpool full-back was named in Spurs’ starting lineup for the first time against Chelsea. He struggled against the Blues, though.

The veteran defender was at fault for Estevao’s equaliser. He switched off at the back post, allowing Estevao to head home from close range.

Robertson nearly cost his side another goal in the second half. His mistake gave Joao Pedro a golden opportunity to give his side the lead, but Antonín Kinský spared this blushes.

The Scotsman was subbed off in the 72nd minute. FlashScore gave him a rating of just 5.3/10, making him the worst player on the pitch.

Tottenham Fans Give Andy Robertson Verdict

Peter Cziborra via Reuters

Spurs fans have slammed Robertson on social media for his display. One fan said: “Bit of a reality check to anyone that thought we’d signed 2023 Andy Robertson. A good addition to the squad but not our best LB by any means,” while another commented: “Andy Robertson looks poor. Really think signing him, instead of upgrading at left back, was a mistake.”

A third said: “Robertson will go down as one of the worst signings this club has ever made”, while a fourth stated: “Robertson a complete liability as expected. Don’t care if he offers ‘experience’.”

“Robertson is maybe done at this level. Wtf is he doing?” A fifth wrote, while a sixth stated: “Very impressed by all bar Robertson, who’s completely washed up.”

A Liverpool supporter who was watching the match even chimed in, saying: “Andy Robertson showing why he was let go… A great left-back in his day, but his best days are long gone.”

Tottenham are next in action on Saturday, August 8, when they take on La Liga side Getafe at Hotspur Way. They begin their Premier League campaign against Brentford on August 22.