UFC legend Mark Coleman is in hospital after rescuing his parents and dog from a house fire at his childhood home in Toledo, Ohio, suffering smoke inhalation in the process.
A tragic house fire early Tuesday morning saw UFC legend Mark Coleman in the role of a hero. The incident occurred in his childhood home, located near Toledo, Ohio.
At 59, Coleman risked his life to save his parents from the burning house. But that’s not all. He also dashed back into the smoke-filled house to rescue his dog. This act of bravery led to smoke inhalation and his subsequent airlift from the scene. The fire, which reportedly started in the kitchen, attracted response from seven different fire departments. The cause? Still a mystery.
Wes Sims, a fellow former UFC fighter and long-time friend of Coleman, gave an update on Facebook.
Sims shared, “I’m a firm believer in prayer power.” He continued, “I sent family and friends pictures of Mark’s current condition. Knowing Mark, he’d probably say ‘film this s***, Wes, we’re going viral!’
“Mark’s parents’ house? Burnt down last night. Mark saved both his parents and his dog, Hammer. He was life flighted to Toledo and is currently intubated and sedated. I swear, he’s one of the toughest guys ever, been through so much. A movie couldn’t do justice to his life’s work!”
Local authorities? They’ve been tight-lipped. No further statements about the fire, except that the house is a total loss after the fire was put out.
Coleman, inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2008, is a heavyweight legend. He first clinched the heavyweight champion title at UFC 10, and then again at UFC 11.
Coleman eventually switched to PRIDE Fighting Championships. There, he made history as the first Pride grand prix champion. His stunning run in the 2000 tournament included three wins in one night, ending with a knockout of Igor Vovchanchyn in the finals.
In recent years, Coleman’s been back in the ring, getting into fighting shape. He’s also been mentoring fellow UFC fighter Matt Brown.