Mixed Martial Arts in DC News Blog

Colton Smith has a wrestling background, is a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and trains in muay thai.

On Friday, March 25, 2011, M-1 Global Challenge XXIV will be held at Ted Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk, Va. The main card, featuring title bouts for two championship belts, will be aired live on Showtime. M-1 Global is an international MMA organization best known for its representation with former world champion, Fedor Emelianenko. In addition to the main card, the pro-fight show represents huge opportunities for fighters on the undercard, which portions may be televised.

From Doug Esposito’s Vanguard Gym in Manassas, Va., Colton Smith will make his pro-MMA debut on the undercard at 170 pounds against MMA Institute’s Brian Nielson from Richmond, Va. Smith’s last MMA fight was at Barbarian Fight Club on January 15 earlier this year in which he won with a rear-naked choke in the first round. Now, he looks to make his pro debut at the second largest MMA event in Virginia. “It feels great and I’m ready for it,” he said.

After a successful 5-1 amateur career which began in 2008, Smith has made changes to his training regiment in preparation for his pro debut. He said, “The past 8-10 months I’ve definitely taken it a lot more seriously. My nutrition is the biggest thing that has changed. I cut down to 170 from 197 pounds. I have a nutritionist. My strength and conditioning has changed.”

Colton Smith with Gabriel Gonzaga at Team Leo Dalla's Premier Fight Center.

Smith, who trains year round also said, “I was always pretty good at each discipline of the fight game, but it was hard for me to put them all together. Just recently, I’ve been able to put them all together in the gym against some very tough opponents.”

Smith’s support also comes from his family and his work. He cites the long hours necessary to put into training and getting the proper amount of rest. He said, “My family has really supported me on this.” As a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, he says his work is also very supportive, “I’m still active duty military. My bosses definitely support me 110%. In fact, they are going to be at the fight in Norfolk.”

When looking back on his start in mixed martial arts, Smith said, “I’m 23 years old and I’m still young, but it’s been a long road.” He adds, “I’m definitely prepared. I believe I train like a pro so I’m going to fight like a pro.”

Watch M-1 this Friday at Ted Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk, Va.

* Photo at Premier Fight Center used with permission from C. Smith.

Read about the action at M-1 Global Challenge XXIV:
Results of Colton Smith’s fight at M-1 Global!
Video action highlights – Slams, TKO’s, and more!
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