“Match to Serve” is sponsored by Transcend Basis.
There are lots of causes for Colton Smith’s success, however the two causes he’s most likely greatest recognized for are his combined martial arts profession and his service to america. The primary navy affect in his life was his grandfather, who fought within the Korean Battle.
“He obtained a whole lot of honors and a Purple Coronary heart within the Korean Battle. My uncles served as effectively – one was a Marine and the opposite was a paratrooper after Vietnam.
He attributes his MMA origins to his childhood and admits that he usually bought into fights. Smith stated either side of his household are recognized for his or her toughness and athleticism. His mom was a bodybuilder and arm wrestler, whereas his father boxed. Younger Colton was lively in 4 sports activities. Nevertheless, wrestling is the household’s favourite exercise. His uncles saved up with the game at each degree. Smith found he may wrestle and even had potential Get paid by joining the military.
“I joined the Military on the top of the warfare in Iraq, and I selected to be an infantryman,” he stated. “Shortly after, I discovered myself in Iraq. To be trustworthy, wrestling initially attracted me to the navy, however I shortly discovered that I cherished being an infantryman and all that got here with it.
Though he was serving his nation, MMA’s consideration started when he was deployed to Iraq. Smith was enjoying catcher when he first confronted his future future.
“Once we have been occupying an space west of Baghdad, there was a market there and I bought some DVDs of UFC 1 to 43. I noticed these and thought I may get into it.”
Smith is each an lively obligation soldier and an expert fighter. He went all the way in which ultimate warrior 16, He gained that combat and earned a UFC contract. On this course of, he didn’t obtain particular remedy from the navy, which is what he’s most happy with.
“It wasn’t till the day earlier than I flew to Las Vegas to attempt to get into the home that the Military lastly accepted it, and so long as I had sufficient day off, I did it.”
One other facet he was happy with was the tenacity he displayed all through the sport. Throughout that combat, he watched different boxers break down whereas he persevered.
“What I noticed was a couple of years in the past, I used to be residing on a bridge in Iraq, consuming MREs and patrolling. Just a few years later, I used to be residing in a mansion and making a want record at night time, and the manufacturing staff would Listed at 0800 the subsequent morning so I may concentrate on being The Final Fighter.
Throughout his time with the UFC and different organizations, he accrued a 7-5 file. He additionally made historical past as the primary athlete to each serve within the navy and be an lively UFC fighter.
He stated: “I used to be at a crossroads as a result of though the world appeared at my fingertips, I nonetheless had a burning need in my coronary heart to serve my nation. I simply could not ignore that feeling.
The third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu nonetheless competes when attainable and stays lively in self-defense and self-improvement.
“I am 36 years outdated now and I am nonetheless on the mat wrestling.”
Smith additionally thrived within the enterprise world. Along with proudly owning Enlisted 9 Combat Firm, a profitable and rising combined martial arts academy, he’s Lower level supplementis a complement firm based by one other Match to Serve determine, Kevin Flack. Smith was listed as a part of the corporate’s activity power.
“I consider in what Kevin, SEAC Troxell and the complete Downrange Dietary supplements staff are doing,” he stated proudly. “These merchandise are nice and it has been nice to observe them develop. I believe they are going to proceed to speed up over the subsequent few years.
Whereas the 18-year-old Military veteran from Virginia has been on a singular journey to date, he has no regrets and is happy with what he did and continues to serve folks at this time. He additionally believes that navy service shall be an necessary means for younger People to consider their future, as a result of it has introduced him many advantages since he determined to hitch the navy 18 years in the past.
“I would not change it for something. I’ll proceed to serve and combat as a result of it makes me who I’m.
For extra details about Downrange dietary supplements, go to downrangesupplements.com. You possibly can comply with Smith on Instagram @coltonsmithmma.
M&F senior navy editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this text.
