Former UFC champion Mark Coleman is “battling for his life” after rescuing his parents from a house fire in Ohio, his daughter Morgan said.
Morgan Coleman wrote about the harrowing details of the house fire, which claimed the life of their family dog, on Instagram on Tuesday.
Mark Coleman was involved in a house fire on Tuesday morning. WTOL11
Mark Coleman saved both his parents from a raging house fire, then went back in for the dog. He had to be lifeflighted to the hospital.If anyone can beat back death itself, it’s Mark. We were close to doing a book and it would have been a fascinating ride. A big, badass life. pic.twitter.com/Ll7ILAP995— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) March 12, 2024
“As many know, our dad was involved in a house fire early this morning along with his parents and beloved dog, hammer,” the Instagram post said.
“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 snd (sic) 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.”
According to CBS affiliate WTOL, fire crews in Fremont, Ohio responded to calls about the blaze shortly after 4 a.m. on Tuesday.
The fire reportedly began in the kitchen, with a specific cause unknown.
UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman is in a fight for his life after saving his parents from a house fire. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
The roof of the home collapsed in the fire and the home was said to be a “total loss”.
Coleman, 59, had an MMA career that stretched between 1996 and 2010, beginning in the UFC, followed by a stint in Pride Fighting Championships, and later a return to UFC.
He won the tournaments at UFC 10 and UFC 11, then became the promotion’s first heavyweight champion at UFC 12 when he defeated Dan Severn with a neck crank submission.
Mark Coleman was involved in a house fire on Tuesday morning WTOL11
He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2008.
Coleman has had other battles in recent years, as he suffered a heart attack in 2020 and went to rehab for alcohol addiction in 2021.
UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman is in fight for his life after saving his parents from a house fire. Zuffa LLC
According to USA Today, he has “since used his experience to promote healthy living and sobriety” on social media.
In addition to Morgan, Coleman has two other daughters — Mackenzie and Skylar.