Colton Smith is best known to MMA fans as the winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 16 and a dedicated U.S. Army veteran.
His journey from active duty soldier to the UFC Octagon inspired many, showcasing a unique blend of wrestling dominance and military discipline. Smith has transitioned from professional fighting to coaching and entrepreneurship, building a legacy beyond the cage.
In this article, you will know Colton Smith’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Colton Smith’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Colton J. Smith |
| Date of Birth | August 14, 1987 |
| Age | 38 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2011 |
| Net Worth | $500,000 – $1 Million |
| Career Earnings | ~$150,000 (Disclosed MMA Purses) |
| Wife | Megan Smith |
| Children | 3 Children |
| Military Rank | Sergeant First Class (Army Ranger) |
| Gym Ownership | Enlisted Nine Fight Company |
Early Career
Colton Smith began his martial arts journey while serving in the United States Army. Before turning professional, he built a strong foundation in wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, skills that would later define his fighting style.
Smith sharpened his abilities on the regional circuit in Virginia, competing in promotions like Operation Octagon. His amateur run was impressive, with a record of 5-1, where he finished most opponents in the first round.​
His success on the local scene earned him a spot on The Ultimate Fighter Season 16 in 2012. Representing Team Nelson, Smith utilized his relentless wrestling pressure to dominate the competition.
He defeated tough opponents like Eddy Ellis and Jon Manley to reach the finale. This period marked his transition from a soldier fighting on weekends to a nationally recognized prospect aiming for a UFC contract.​
Professional Career
Smith officially joined the UFC roster after winning the TUF 16 Finale against Mike Ricci via unanimous decision. This victory secured him a six-figure contract, though his subsequent run in the promotion proved difficult.
He faced high-caliber opponents immediately, suffering losses to future champion Robert Whittaker and TUF winner Michael Chiesa. Smith struggled to implement his grappling-heavy game against elite strikers and submission specialists in the lightweight and welterweight divisions.​
Smith signed with the World Series of Fighting (WSOF), where he found renewed success. He defeated Washington Nunes da Silva by decision in 2015, showcasing his durability and improved striking defense.
He later competed in regional promotions like Shogun Fights, with his last recorded professional bout occurring in 2018 against Sean Brady.
Since then, Smith has focused on his role as an instructor and gym owner, stepping away from active competition to mentor the next generation.​
Wife
Colton Smith is married to Megan Smith. He publicly thanked her during his emotional post-fight interview after winning The Ultimate Fighter 16, crediting her support for his success.
The couple has three children together. Megan has been a pillar of stability throughout his transition from active military deployments to professional fighting and now business ownership.
The family resides in Virginia, where they remain active in the local community and veteran support networks.​​
Colton Smith’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Colton Smith’s estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 Million. This wealth comes from his MMA career earnings, military pension, and his successful business ventures, including his gym, Enlisted Nine Fight Company.​
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Base Purse | Win Bonus | Total Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TUF 16 Finale | Mike Ricci | Win | $8,000 | $8,000 | $16,000 ​ |
| UFC 160 | Robert Whittaker | Loss | $8,000 | $0 | $8,000 ​ |
| UFC Fight Night 31 | Michael Chiesa | Loss | $8,000 | $0 | $8,000 ​ |
| UFC Fight Night 44 | Diego Ferreira | Loss | $10,000 | $0 | $10,000 |
| WSOF 24 | Washington Nunes | Win | $6,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Total Earnings (Est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | $16,000 | TUF 16 Finale Win |
| 2013 | $16,000 | Two UFC fights (Losses) |
| 2014 | $10,000 | UFC Fight Night 44 |
| 2015 | $15,000+ | WSOF and Regional Wins |
| 2016-2018 | $20,000+ | Regional bouts (Shogun Fights) |
Career Stats
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Pro Fights | 12 |
| Wins | 7 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Wins by Knockout | 1 |
| Wins by Submission | 2 |
| Wins by Decision | 4 |
| Losses by Knockout | 1 |
| Losses by Submission | 3 |
FAQs
1. What is Colton Smith doing now?
Colton Smith currently owns and operates Enlisted Nine Fight Company, a mixed martial arts gym in Stafford, Virginia. He works as a head instructor, teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling to civilians and military personnel.​
2. Did Colton Smith retire from the UFC?
Yes, Smith was released from the UFC after losing three consecutive fights following his Ultimate Fighter win. He continued fighting in other organizations like WSOF before stepping away from professional competition around 2018.​
3. What military rank did Colton Smith hold?
Smith served as an active-duty Ranger and held the rank of Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army. He was also a Combatives Master Trainer, instructing soldiers in hand-to-hand combat techniques during his service.​
4. How much money did Colton Smith win on The Ultimate Fighter?
Smith earned a standard six-figure UFC contract upon winning the show, which guarantees a set number of fights with a base salary. For the finale fight itself, he took home a disclosed purse of $16,000.​
5. Who is Colton Smith’s wife?
He is married to Megan Smith. Colton frequently mentioned her support during his fighting career, noting that she cared for their family while he balanced army duties and training camps.
