UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman was hospitalized after a house fire Tuesday morning. That’s confirmed by close family and friends.
According to a social media post by his daughter, Coleman was taken to a nearby hospital after he tried to save the family’s dog. The 59-year-old former champion had already carried both of his parents out of their home.
“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.”
Mar Coleman is a true pioneer of MMA. As the inaugural UFC heavyweight champion and a former PRIDE grand prix winner, he was a part of building the sport in it’s early days.
At UFC 82 Coleman was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
After going over three years without competing Coleman announced that he has officially retired from MMA competition at 48.