Colton Smith
Colton Smith
Athlete
Born: August 14, 1987
Accomplishments: TUF UFC Ultimate Fighter Champion Season 12, Army Special Forces
Resides: Manassas, Virginia
Profession: Army Soldier, MMA Gym Owner
Biography:
Colton Smith is an American mixed martial artist and decorated U.S. Army soldier, born August 14, 1987. A standout wrestler at Ankeny High School in Iowa, Smith enlisted in the Army after graduating in 2005 and went on to serve combat tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Jordan. He earned airborne, ranger, and sapper tabs during his military career, and trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Relson Gracie while developing his MMA skills at Vanguard Gym in Manassas, Virginia, under Lloyd Irvin.
Smith made his professional MMA debut in 2011 and quickly rose to prominence as the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 16: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson. He required special permission from the Army to participate in the reality series while on active duty. Known for his relentless wrestling-based style, he defeated all five opponents in the tournament by decision, culminating in a win over Mike Ricci at the TUF 16 Finale in December 2012 to claim the championship.
His UFC tenure was brief and after his UFC release, Smith competed on the regional circuit and in the World Series of Fighting before his last recorded fight in March 2018. He finished his professional career with a record of 7–5.
Smith’s story stands out in MMA as that of a decorated combat veteran who balanced active military service with competition at the sport’s highest level. He now owns an MMA gym and continues to be active duty.
