UFC legend Mark Coleman was hospitalized Tuesday after saving his parents from a house fire in Ohio, his daughter wrote in a social media post.
Morgan Coleman added that his father suffered smoke inhalation during his heroic efforts in Toledo. Unfortunately, he said, he was unable to save the dog, named Hammer.
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UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman is seen on stage during the UFC 30th Anniversary Q&A at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 3, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
“He managed to get his parents out of the house, but despite his best efforts he was unable to save Hammer. He was airlifted to the hospital where he is currently fighting for his life after this heroic act,” he wrote.
“Our father has always been our hero and means a lot to us. He is and always will be a fighter. The strongest (and) bravest man I know. Please continue to pray for him and our family during this extremely difficult time. Our sweet hammer will be sorely missed.
“Thank you for all the love and support. Hammer House for life.”
UFC Hall of Famer and coach Mark Coleman wait backstage during the UFC 271 event at the Toyota Center on February 12, 2022 in Houston. (Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC)
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Mark Coleman, a native of Fremont, Ohio, represented the U.S. in the 1992 Olympics and joined the UFC in its early days. He became the first UFC heavyweight champion with a submission victory over Dan Severn at UFC 12 in 1997.
He then faced off in a title defense against Maurice Smith at UFC 14, but lost by decision. He would later fight in the Pride Fighting Championships in Japan from 1999 to 2006.
He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2008 and finally got his dream fight against Randy Couture after UFC 109 in 2010. He lost to Couture, but it was the first time two UFC Hall of Famers had fought. in the octagon.
UFC fighter Mark Coleman makes weight at the UFC 100 weigh-ins at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino on July 10, 2009 in Las Vegas. (Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)
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Coleman concluded his wrestling career with a 16-10 record, NCAA Division 1 champion, World Championship silver medalist, three-time Pan American Championships gold medalist, and Pan American Games gold medalist.
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