“Fit to Serve” is sponsored by the Transcend Foundation.
Colton Smith has many reasons for his success, but he is best known for his career in mixed martial arts and his service to America. The first military influence in his life was his grandfather, who served in the Korean War.
“My father received numerous honors and a Purple Heart in the Korean War. My uncles also served in the military. One was a Marine and another was a paratrooper right after the Vietnam War.”
He admits that his MMA origins lie in his childhood, where he would often fight. Smith revealed that both his parents were in his family, known for their toughness and athleticism. His mother was a bodybuilder and arm wrestler, and his father was a boxer. Young Colton was into four sports, but wrestling was the family favorite. His uncles were into sports at all levels. Smith realized he could wrestle and could potentially earn a paycheck by joining the military.
“I chose to join the Army during the Iraq War and be an infantryman,” he said. “I was in Iraq shortly thereafter. Wrestling initially attracted me to the Army, but I quickly fell in love with being an infantryman and everything that came with it.”
Although Smith served his country, it was during his deployment to Iraq that he began to focus on MMA, and it was as part of the buyout that Smith first encountered his future destiny.
“When we were occupying the western part of Baghdad, there was a market and I got the DVDs of UFC 1-43. I watched them and thought I could join.”
Smith had the honor of being both an active duty military member and a professional fighter. He made it all the way to The Ultimate Fighter 16, won the tournament and earned himself a UFC contract. He received no special treatment from the military along the way, and that's what he's most proud of.
“The day before I was due to fly to Las Vegas and fight my way into the house, the Army finally said they would let me if I saved up some vacation time, which I did.”
Another thing he was proud of was how he maintained his mental strength throughout the fight – he watched other fighters mentally break down during the match, but he held his own.
“Years ago I was on patrol on a bridge in Iraq eating MREs. Years later I was living in a mansion, writing wish lists at night to be delivered to the production team at 8am the next morning, and focusing solely on becoming the ultimate fighter.”
Between his time with UFC and other organizations, he compiled a 7-5 record and made history as the first athlete to serve as both an active duty military member and a UFC fighter.
“I was at a crossroads,” he said. “I seemed to have the world in my hands, but deep inside I still had a burning desire to serve my country. I couldn't ignore that.”
A 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he still competes whenever he can and continues to actively improve his skills for self-defense and personal development.
“I'm 36 now and I still get on the mat and wrestle.”
Smith has also been successful in the business world: He is the owner of Enlisted Nine Fight Company, a successful and growing MMA academy, and is also a key member of Downrange Supplements, a supplement company founded by another Fit to Serve star, Kevin Flack, with Smith listed as part of the company's task unit.
“I believe in the efforts of Kevin, SEAC Troxel and the entire Downrange Supplements team,” he proudly stated. “The products are phenomenal and it's great to see them grow. I think they'll continue to grow for years to come.”
The 18-year military veteran from Virginia has had a unique path, but has no regrets, is proud of what he's accomplished, and continues to serve today. He also believes military service is a great option for young Americans considering their future because it has guided him since he decided to enlist 18 years ago.
“I wouldn't change it for anything. I'll continue to serve and fight because that's what made me who I am today.”
For more information about Downrange Supplements, visit downrangesupplements.com and follow @coltonsmithmma on Instagram.
M&F Senior Military Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this article.
