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TUF 16 Winner, Army Ranger, and Black Belt Colton Smith

TUF 16 Winner, Army Ranger, and Black Belt Colton Smith

From Jiu Jitsu Dummies

October 1, 2026 · 1:52:24 · E198

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

This week the Dummies sit down with The Ultimate Fighter Season 16 winner and Jiu Jitsu black belt Colton Smith. He's also an Army Ranger, a combat vet of Iraq and Afghanistan, and the only soldier ever to compete on TUF and fight in the UFC while on active duty.

Colton talks about growing up as an Iowa wrestler, enlisting right out of high school, and getting Army approval for TUF just one day before his flight to Vegas. We also get into the infamous fake glove touch: what was going through his head, and whether he'd do it again. Plus: life in the TUF house, the tough fights he faced once he made it to the UFC, teaching combatives to Special Operations soldiers, and how he's still on active duty today while running gyms and businesses.

If you've ever wondered what happens when a Ranger gets let loose in the Octagon, this one's for you.

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