UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman 'battling for his life' after saving parents from Ohio house fire
UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman was hospitalized after an Ohio house fire Tuesday morning, close family and friends confirmed on social media.
According to an Instagram post by his daughter Morgan, Coleman was airlifted to a nearby hospital in Toledo after he attempted to save the family’s dog, who succumbed to the effects of the fire. Coleman had already carried both of his parents out of their Fremont home.
Coleman’s exact condition is unknown, though photos of him intubated in the hospital were shared on social media by friends. WTOL 11 first reported details of the fire but did not identify the airlifted person as Coleman.
“As many know, our dad was involved in a house fire early this morning along with his parents and beloved dog, hammer,” Morgan Coleman wrote. “He managed to carry both of his parents out of the house but despite his best efforts was not able to save (our dog) Hammer. He was life-flighted to the hospital where he is currently battling for his life after this heroic act.
“Our father has always been our hero and means the world 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. We will miss our sweet hammer so deeply.
“Thank you for all the love and support. Hammer house for life.”
Wes Sims, a longtime friend and training partner, also confirmed the incident Tuesday. Sims told MMA Junkie that all he asks for at this point is prayers for Coleman and his family.
“I swear to GOD-he’s one of the toughest individual ever created,” Sims wrote.” (He’s) been thru so much a Movie at this point could not give his life work Justice!”
Coleman, 59, was the inaugural UFC heavyweight champion and a former PRIDE grand prix winner. Nicknamed “The Father of Ground-and-Pound”, Coleman was inducted into both the pioneer and fight wings of the UFC Hall of Fame.
In recent years, Coleman has dealt with multiple adversities in the public eye, including a 2020 heart attack. At the advice of Sims in 2021, Coleman went to rehab for alcoholism in 2021 and has since used his experience to promote healthy living and sobriety in positive-vibed social media posts.