According to his daughter, the UFC Hall of Fame member managed to carry both of his parents out, but lost consciousness due to smoke after returning to the burning house to get his dog.
“As many know, our dad was caught in a fire this morning with his parents and beloved dog Hammer,” Morgan Coleman wrote. “He was able to get our parents out of the house, but despite his best efforts, he was unable to save our dog. He was rushed to the hospital where he is fighting for his life after such a heroic act.”
“Our dad has always been our hero and means more to us than the world. He was and always remains a fighter. The strongest and bravest man I know. Please continue to pray for him and our family during this difficult time. Thank you all for your love and support.”
Nothing is known about Coleman’s exact condition, but his friends have posted several photos on social media of the American heavyweight lying intubated in the intensive care unit.
Mark Coleman, 59, is the first UFC heavyweight champion and PRIDE grand prix winner. Wearing the nicknames “The Hammer” and “The Godfather of the Ground and Pound,” Mark Coleman was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame as a member of the Pioneer Wing, and as a member of the Fighting Wing.
The American suffered a heart attack in 2020 and entered alcohol rehab in 2021, and has been actively promoting sobriety and healthy lifestyles ever since.
Mark Coleman’s last professional fight was in February 2010 at UFC 109 in Las Vegas, losing by rear-naked choke to his legendary compatriot Randy Couture.