Colton Smith (fighter)


Colton Smith is an American former mixed martial artist who competed in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Smith is best known for competing on, and winning The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson.
His dominant wrestling style allowed him to defeat all five fighters he faced in the tournament by decision. He is currently an active member of the U.S. Army.

Early life

Smith started wrestling at an early age. During high school, Smith wrestled for Ankeny High School at 145 pounds. Smith graduated high school in 2005 and enlisted in the Army.

Army career

Smith, a Combat infantry soldier, earned airborne, ranger, and sapper tabs and has served tours in Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Afghanistan. While assigned to Echo Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, Smith earned his Expert Infantryman Badge. Smith currently serves as the chief Combatives Instructor at III Corps and Fort Hood. Smith has since been selected for promotion to Sergeant First Class and expects to refocus on Army training. The Army Times admitted, after criticizing Smith's recent MMA performances, that they received backlash from their vocal readership indicating Smith's popularity among fellow servicemembers.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Smith started his career with a 2–1 record, including a win in M-1 Challenge. Smith trained Brazilian Jiujitsu under Relson Gracie earning his purple belt and developed his MMA skill under Lloyd Irvin and Vanguard Gym in Manassas, Virginia.

''The Ultimate Fighter''

Smith was selected as a cast member for The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson. He had to receive special permission in order to participate in the reality series during active duty. In the elimination fight in order to get into the house, Smith defeated Jesse Barrett by unanimous decision. Smith was the subject of controversy for putting his hand out to touch gloves, but faking and immediately shooting for a take down.
In his first fight inside the house, Smith won a majority decision over Eddie Ellis.
In the quarterfinal round Smith won another decision over Igor Araujo to advance to the semifinal round.
In the semifinals, Smith advanced to the finals with a unanimous decision win over Jon Manley.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Smith made his official UFC debut on December 15, 2012 at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson Finale against Mike Ricci. Smith won the fight via unanimous decision to become the Ultimate Fighter 16 winner.
Smith faced Robert Whittaker on May 25, 2013 at UFC 160. He lost the fight by TKO in the third round.
Smith next faced Michael Chiesa in a lightweight bout on November 6, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 31. He was defeated via rear naked choke in the second round.
Smith faced promotional newcomer Carlos Diego Ferreira on June 28, 2014 at UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens. He lost the fight via a modified rear-naked choke submission, and was released from the promotion shortly after.

Post-UFC

Eight months after his last UFC fight, Smith returned to compete on the local circuit where he picked up two victories in the Rocks Xtreme MMA promotion.

World Series of Fighting

On August 20, 2015 it was announced that Smith signed with the World Series of Fighting. He made his eventual debut on October 17, 2015 at WSOF 24 against Washington Da Silva. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Grappling

On July 22, 2013, Colton Smith competed in a no gi super fight against Carlos Diego Ferreira at the 's Southern Regionals. Ferreira won the match by points.

Personal life

Smith has three children. He runs his own MMA gym, Enlisted Nine Fight Company, in Fredericksburg, Stafford County, Virginia and fledging lifestyle brand Enlisted Nine Fight Company partnered with Veteran Clothing giant, NineLine Apparel.

Accomplishments