Fort Hood Soldier Fights in UFC - kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and Killeen

Fort Hood's combatives team has one really big claim to fame this year.

A local soldier is taking a stab at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Out of 5 thousand applicants, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter SSG Colton Smith was one of just 16 who made it onto the UFC's TV reality show.

Colton a secret weapon -- his uniform.

This infantryman has faced enemies in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and as he takes on some of the toughest fighters in the world, he's bringing that all-American arsenal with him.

"We know no matter what, we're faced by adversity, we have the intestinal fortitude to drive on and complete the mission, whether it's in the cage, whether it's on the battlefield," said Colton.

In his professional fighting career, Colton is four and one, with four first round victories.

So far on the show, he's one and zero, with a decision finish.

Those in his corner say he's representing the Army well.

Fort Hood Combatives Director Kristopher Perkins, "You don't realize how tough you are until you get pushed to what you think is your limit and you go past it. Colton has had a lot of those experiences in his Army career."

During that career, Colton has been through sniper and ranger school, so sleep and food deprivation management help him make weight.

He said, "My experience in the military with that definitely carry over into the cage."

And it doesn't hurt that he trains on Fort hood, sparring with Army's best fighters, the 2012 combatives championship team.

"Iron sharpens iron, and he's got a lot here to work with," said Perkins.

Colton says it's not just the skills and training he takes from the military to the mat, but also the support.

"It's been a blessing. The Army has fully backed me in my MMA career since 2008, and I've always done my job. Duty always comes first," said Colton.

Follow Colton on Twitter and Facebook:

https://twitter.com/ColtonSmithMMA

https://www.facebook.com/#!/ColtonSmithMMA?fref=ts

 Reporter/Photographer: Sophia Stamas sstamas@kcentv.com