UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman is in a Columbus hospital due to a septic infection in his hip replacement, with surgery scheduled for Monday.
UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman is spending the weekend in a Columbus hospital. He revealed that his hip replacement is dealing with a septic infection.
Coleman shared the news on Instagram this past Thursday.
“Back in the hospital again,” he said. “My hip is septically infected. They were going to do emergency surgery today, but I’m on blood thinners, so they’re going to have to wait until Monday. So I’m going to hang out here for the weekend. All’s going to be fine.”
Coleman has undergone several hip replacement surgeries since retiring from fighting. Hip replacements involve plastic or metal parts, making them prone to bacterial growth.
The body’s immune system sometimes struggles with these infections. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons:
“It is difficult for the immune system to attack bacteria that make it to these implants. Bacteria like to stick to metal. Since the metal implant does not receive any blood flow, our immune system has a hard time identifying the bacteria, so it does not know how to respond and kill it. If bacteria gain access to the implants, they may multiply and result in a joint infection. Despite antibiotics and preventive treatments, patients with infected joint replacements often require surgery to cure the infection.”
As Coleman mentioned, he’s expected to undergo surgery on Monday. Doctors will address the infection in his hip then.
The 59-year-old former UFC heavyweight champion has had quite a year already. In March, he was hospitalized after rescuing his elderly parents from a house fire outside Toledo.
He saved his parents but succumbed to smoke inhalation while trying to rescue his dog from the house.
Coleman eventually recovered and has been seen at recent UFC events. Notably, he appeared at UFC 300 in April where he placed the “BMF” title around Max Holloway’s waist after Holloway’s win over Justin Gaethje.
Life throws curveballs; Coleman’s journey continues despite setbacks.