Colton Thomas Smith is an Americanmixed martial artist and Combatives who formerly competed in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Smith is best known for competing on, and winning. 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.
Army career
Smith, an infantryman, earned airborne, ranger, and sapper tabs and has served two tours in Iraq. While assigned to Echo Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, Smith earned his Expert Infantryman Badge. Representing the "Old Guard", Smith finished 2nd in the 185 lbs division in the 2009 Army Combatives tournament after being submitted by Lt. Col. Larry McCord of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment in their final fight. 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 sevicemembers.
Smith was selected as a cast member for. 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 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. 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.
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 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 Company, in Stafford, Virginia.
