Colton Smith | |
|---|---|
| Orders | |
| Rank | Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
August 14, 1987 Ankeny, Iowa, United States[1] |
| Nationality | American |
| Colton Smith | |
|---|---|
| Service/branch |
 United States Army |
| Rank | Staff Sergeant[2] |
| Unit | III Corps |
| Battles/wars | Iraq War |
Colton Smith (born August 14, 1987) is an American mixed martial artist, who formerly 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.[3]
Early life[]
Smith started wrestling at an early age. During high school, Smith wrestled for Ankeny High School at 145 pounds.[4][5] Smith graduated high school in 2005.[6]
Army career[]
Smith, an infantryman, earned airborne, ranger, and sapper tabs and has served two tours in Iraq.[7][8] While assigned to Echo Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment (Old Guard), Smith earned his Expert Infantryman Badge.[9] 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.[10][11] Smith currently serves as the chief Combatives Instructor at III Corps and Fort Hood.[12] Smith has since been selected for promotion to Sergeant First Class and expects to refocus on Army training.[13] 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.[14]
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.[15]
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.[3] 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. He was once again the subject of controversy after he kicked Ricci in the groin and continued to attack despite Ricci's obvious pain and his attempts to wave Smith off.
Smith faced Robert Whittaker on May 25, 2013 at UFC 160.[16] 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.[17] 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.[18] He lost the fight via a modified rear-naked choke submission, and was subsequently released from the promotion shortly after.[19]
Accomplishments[]
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Ultimate Fighter 16 Winner
- The Ultimate Fighter 16 Fight of the Season [20]
Mixed martial arts record[]
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 7 matches | 3 wins | 4 losses |
| By knockout | 0 | 2 |
| By submission | 2 | 2 |
| By decision | 1 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 3–4 | Carlos Diego Ferreira | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens | June 28, 2014 | 1 | 0:38 | San Antonio, Texas, United States | |
| Loss | 3–3 | Michael Chiesa | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC: Fight for the Troops 3 | November 6, 2013 | 2 | 1:41 | Fort Campbell, Kentucky, United States | Lightweight debut. |
| Loss | 3–2 | Robert Whittaker | TKO (punches) | UFC 160 | May 25, 2013 | 3 | 0:41 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 3–1 | Mike Ricci | Decision (unanimous) | The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale | December 15, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Won The Ultimate Fighter 16. |
| Loss | 2–1 | Steve Montgomery | KO (punch) | Championship Fighting Alliance 5 | February 24, 2012 | 2 | 0:08 | Coral Gables, Florida, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Walter Coles | Submission (punches) | Demolition Combat | October 29, 2011 | 1 | 1:52 | Winchester, Virginia, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Brian Nielson | Submission (rear-naked choke) | M-1 Challenge 24 | March 25, 2011 | 1 | 4:19 | Norfolk, Virginia, United States |
Amateur mixed martial arts record[]
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 6 matches | 5 wins | 1 loss |
| By knockout | 2 | 0 |
| By submission | 3 | 0 |
| By decision | 0 | 1 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 5–1 | Gary Wilkins | TKO (punches) | Barbarian Fight Club - 2011 Matinee | January 15, 2011 | 1 | 1:57 | Fredericksburg, Virginia, United States | |
| Loss | 4–1 | Chad Malone | Decision (split) | OO 11 - Operation Octagon 11 | June 26, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Sterling, Virginia, United States | |
| Win | 4–0 | William Bookwalter | Submission (rear-naked choke) | OO 9 - Operation Octagon 9 | November 7, 2009 | 1 | 4:29 | Sterling, Virginia, United States | |
| Win | 3–0 | Jarreau Mobley | Submission (rear-naked choke) | OO 8 - Operation Octagon 8 | August 15, 2009 | 1 | 1:33 | Manassas, Virginia, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Cody Toy | Submission (anaconda choke) | OO 5 - Operation Octagon 5 | December 6, 2008 | 1 | 2:42 | Manassas, Virginia, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Rob Wine | TKO (punches) | Gladiator Fight Club 2 - Call to Glory | January 12, 2008 | 1 | 0:52 | Winchester, Virginia, United States |
References[]
- ↑ Cerdenio, Jere R. (April 4, 2014). "95th MP Bn builds resiliency with combatives tournament". http://www.army.mil/article/123361.
- ↑ "ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT TRAINING FOR THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER". 8 March 2013. http://soldiers.dodlive.mil/tag/staff-sgt-colton-smith/.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "It's Time with Bruce Buffer". Interview with Colton Smith by Bruce Buffer and TJ DeSantis. http://www.sherdog.com/radio/Buffer-TUF-Winner-Colton-Smith-2927.
- ↑ Evans, Kevin (February 24, 2005). "Chase starts early". http://wcfcourier.com/sports/local/chase-starts-early-in-a/article_6057733f-1a97-5226-806b-b94d921175a9.html.
- ↑ "Prep wrestling: Mohawks, Bulldogs split title at Ankeny". January 18, 2004. http://globegazette.com/sports/prep-wrestling-mohawks-bulldogs-split-title-at-ankeny/article_fabc20c7-8106-5d14-bb0c-88793e33373a.html.
- ↑ Holm, Dan (December 14, 2012). "Ankeny native one victory from being 'The Ultimate Fighter'". http://www.citizen-times.com/article/D2/20121214/SPORTS/121214007/.
- ↑ Tan, Michelle (October 1, 2012). "Soldier wins spot on 'The Ultimate Fighter'". http://www.armytimes.com/article/20121001/NEWS/210010325/Soldier-wins-spot-8216-Ultimate-Fighter-.
- ↑ Healy, John (November 6, 2013). "Fort Hood combatives instructor competes in 'Fight for the Troops 3'". http://kdhnews.com/fort_hood_herald/sports_and_leisure/fort-hood-combatives-instructor-competes-in-fight-for-the-troops/article_ad166fe0-465c-11e3-9b3e-0019bb30f31a.html.
- ↑ Vinyard, Erica (March 25, 2010). "Soldiers test for EIB". http://ww2.dcmilitary.com/stories/032510/pentagram_28322.shtml.
- ↑ "It's been settled. The Army has found its elite fighters for 2009.". September 22, 2009. http://www.army.mil/article/27684/It__039_s_been_settled__The_Army_has_found_its_elite_fighters_for_2009_/.
- ↑ Cavallaro, Gina (2009-09-25). "Updated results of combatives event released". http://www.armytimes.com/article/20090925/NEWS/909250324/Updated-results-combatives-event-released.
- ↑ Ierardi, Anthony (February 14, 2013). "Combatives: Rail Gunners defend title; combatives cultivates Warrior Ethos". http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=10756.
- ↑ "UFC releases Colton Smith after third-straight loss". July 29, 2014. http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140729/NEWS/307290080/UFC-releases-Colton-Smith-after-third-straight-loss.
- ↑ "Staff Sgt. Colton Smith talks UFC loss, future career". July 2, 2014. http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140702/OFFDUTY04/307020083/Staff-Sgt-Colton-Smith-talks-UFC-loss-future-career.
- ↑ Cernero, Daniel (July 12, 2012). "Soldier MMA pro trains with III Corps team". http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=9510.
- ↑ "'TUF' champs Robert Whittaker and Colton Smith join UFC 160 lineup". MMAJunkie.com. http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/03/tuf-champs-robert-whittaker-and-colton-smith-join-ufc-160-lineup. Retrieved March 3, 2013.
- ↑ John Petit (2013-08-23). "Michael Chiesa Vs Colton Smith Confirmed For Fight For The Troops". fighters.com. http://www.fighters.com/08/23/michael-chiesa-vs-colton-smith-confirmed-for-fight-for-the-troops. Retrieved 2013-08-23.
- ↑ Staff (2014-03-21). "Colton Smith vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira slated for UFC Fight Night in San Antonio". mmajunkie.com. http://mmajunkie.com/2014/03/colton-smith-vs-carlos-diego-ferreira-slated-for-ufc-fight-night-in-san-antonio/. Retrieved 2014-03-21.
- ↑ "Report: TUF 16 winner Colton Smith among five fighters released from UFC". bloodyelbow.com. 2014-07-28. http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/7/28/5945233/report-tuf-16-winner-colton-smith-pat-healy-estevan-payan-ufc-release-mma-news. Retrieved 2014-07-28.
- ↑ "Ricci, Smith, Ellis, Manley win $25,000 'TUF 16' season bonuses". MMAjunkie.com. 2012-12-16. http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/ricci-smith-ellis-manley-win-25000-tuf-16-season-bonuses. Retrieved 2013-11-05.
The original article can be found at Colton Smith and the edit history here.