How did an active duty soldier become the Ultimate Fighter? Joining us is Colton Smith, the United States Army’s first and only UFC fighter. Colton shares his remarkable journey of serving in the military, earning accolades such as Ranger Tab, Sapper Tab, CIB, EIB, Airborne, and Air Assault badges, while pursuing his UFC career. Smith reveals how the Army allowed him to stay on active duty while training and competing in The Ultimate Fighter television show and talks about the challenges he faced while juggling both professions and the support he received from his superiors.
But it's not just about Colton's impressive achievements, he also emphasizes the importance of combatives training in the military, highlighting how it prepares soldiers for hand-to-hand combat situations and builds physical, mental, and emotional strength. Colton also stresses the role of leadership to create camaraderie and respect among soldiers. As someone who leads by example, he believes that leaders should be willing to engage in combat training and combatives alongside their troops.
Colton's achievements include:
- UFC Ultimate Fighter Winner (Season 16)
- 4x UFC Veteran
- 2024 IBJJF Pans Championship Silver Medalist (M2 Black Belt)
- National Wrestling Hall of Fame “Outstanding American” Inductee
- Arnold Schwarzenegger “Out of the Ring” Award Winner
- Brazilian JiuJitsu Black Belt (Second Degree)
- Combatives Black Belt
- Current Head Coach of numerous State, National and International Wrestling, JiuJitsu & MMA Champions Medalists.
- CoFounder/ Owner of Enlisted Nine Fight Company
Learn more about Colton and Nine Line Apparel by following this link.
Check out Colton on Instagram - Facebook.
Enlisted 9 Fight Company can be found in Virginia - Maryland.
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