WASHINGTON -- We all have hobbies and side jobs, right?
One Soldier who just happens to work for the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has a pretty badass one: he's a successful mixed martial arts fighter.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Colton Smith is a decorated veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In his 12 years of active duty, he's earned the Ranger Tab and the Airborne and Air Assault badges, and he's served as a master combatives instructor and congressional personal security escort.
A few years after he joined the Army, though, he decided to try MMA on the side as a welterweight. And he started to get good at it. His success has grown so much that in 2013, he was crowned the winner of season 16 of "The Ultimate Fighter," a reality show MMA competition.
So what made him get into this?
Smith, 30, grew up in Ankeny, Iowa, where he was a wrestling standout. He won high school state titles in Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling, and placed in Folk-style wrestling. Nowadays, he lives in Virginia with his wife and two sons, and he helps out with a youth wrestling program there.
Smith is the only Soldier to ever fight in the UFC while on active duty, and entered the cage again this past weekend. He took on the undefeated Sean Brady in a Shogun Fights bout March 17 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
While he didn't win, the fight was another opportunity for Smith to hone his skills and represent the Army.
Oh, and did I mention he's also a black belt and instructor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? So maybe don't get in his way if you run into him.
Good luck in your future competitions, Sergeant Smith!
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