UFC legend Mark Coleman has been hospitalised after saving his parents from a house fire.
The fire is said to have started in the early hours of Tuesday morning with Coleman’s dog, Hammer, waking the UFC Hall Of Famer – to find his childhood home up in flames.
Coleman first retrieved his father from the fire before heading back to also rescue his mother. It is believed he then returned in an attempt to save Hammer but unfortunately the attempt was unsuccessful.
Due to some inhalation, the 59-year-old had to be air lifted to a Fremont hospital and is currently in a critical condition, in an induced coma – according to family members.
Neither of his parents suffered serious injuries and since the incident his mother, Connie, has also taken to social media to give an update and thank the emergency services. She said:
"Thank God we are alive. Prayers for Mark! Thank you to all the firefighters. And sheriffs dept. EMS Red Cross. and especially my family. Could not do this without you! Love you all! And the hundreds of text, messages and phone calls it is truly heartwarming".
In an emotional post, his daughter Morgan disclosed that Coleman is currently fighting for a life following the incident. She said:
“As many know, our dad was involved in a house fire early this morning along with his parents and beloved dog, hammer. He managed to carry both of his parents out of the house but despite his best efforts was not able to save 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.”
There has been an outpouring of well wishes and messages from the Mixed Martial arts world since the news broke with Jiu Jitsu practitioner, and friend of Coleman, Gordon Ryan posting the following on his social media. He said:
“@markcolemanufc can't catch a break. 1st, his hip needs surgery, and then he gets it infected. As he's making his recovery, he finds himself in a house fire in which he carried his parents out of, but ended up in icu in the process. I've been friends with Mark for a few years now after meeting him in 2019 at a quintet in Vegas. Hoping for the best for you, buddy. stay strong, legend.”
No further update on the former UFC Heavyweight champion has been disclosed at the time of writing.
