Tag: Mark Coleman

UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman reflects on house fire, campaigns for women’s BMF title

Mark Coleman was feeling blessed to be honored during UFC 300 after going through a life-threatening experience last month.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Mark Coleman[/autotag] was honored during UFC 300 after enduring a life-threatening experience.

Coleman, 59, saved his parents from their burning home last month in Ohio. He was sedated and intubated because of smoke inhalation but made a full recovery after “battling for his life” while hospitalized.

The UFC Hall of Famer was invited to attend Saturday’s event at T-Mobile Arena and wrapped the BMF belt around a victorious Max Holloway’s waist after he knocked out Justin Gaethje.

“I’m blessed to be here,” Coleman said backstage during UFC 300. “I’m healthy, and health is wealth, and I have that. I’m very fortunate. God was with me about a month ago, and he got me through the scariest night of my life.

“We came through with my mom and dad still alive. I didn’t quite have enough in me to get my dog Hammer, but he’ll always be with me the rest of my life. He meant the world to me, my first dog ever.”

Looking at the landscape of the UFC, Coleman said he would love to see a women’s BMF title, too, something Jessica Andrade called for recently.

“We definitely need a (women’s) BMF, and they’ll let themselves be known who it is,” Coleman said. “If she came out of retirement, Joanna (Jedrzejczyk) would be the perfect BMF to start it off. Who wants Joanna? She’d come out of retirement for it, I’d bet.”

[lawrence-related id=2733628,2725584,2724791,2724431]

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.

Mark Coleman: Presenting BMF title at UFC 300 would be ‘icing on the cake’ following event invitation

Mark Coleman doesn’t expect to wraps the BMF title around the Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway winner at UFC 300, but would happily do it.

[autotag]Mark Coleman[/autotag] doesn’t think it’s essential he wraps the BMF title around the [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag] winner at UFC 300, but would happily do it if asked.

Gaethje (25-7 MMA, 21-7 UFC) and Holloway (25-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) both told MMA Junkie recently that they are all for the idea of Coleman presenting the BMF belt to the winner of Saturday’s featured bout at T-Mobile Arena (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+). It was an idea first shared by Holloway, who said Coleman is the “real life BMF” after saving his parents from a near-fatal house fire this past month in Ohio.

Coleman revealed shortly after Holloway’s comments that he and his daughters were already invited to the event prior, but he was honored to hear both men share such definitive comments about continuing the tradition of someone special giving out the belt.

“No, they planned on bringing me and my daughters in (already), which that was Dana White stepped right up,” Coleman told MMA Junkie in his first interview since the fire. “But then a couple days later, I see Max Holloway, who I’m a super fan of this sport, and I got respect for all these guys, but I’ve rode on the bus a couple times with Max and his little boy. I just love that guy.

“This BMF belt, it’s gaining a lot of steam with this fight right here, because you talk about two Bad Mother Freakers – Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway, they optimize BMFs. When I see them do that it just brought a tear to my eye. Just grateful. Can’t believe. Just can’t believe. Then Gaethje came out and said the same thing.”

Coleman, a UFC Hall of Famer, said he’s had no correspondence from the UFC brass about whether he will be brought into the cage at the conclusion of Gaethje vs. Holloway. He would happily do it, but will not get on the plane to travel to “Sin City” with any expectations that will happen.

“I don’t think I’m going to do it,” Coleman said. “I don’t think they’re going to ask me to do it, which I don’t expect them too. But they are bringing me in. They are treating me very well. I love UFC. I am a company man. It’s the greatest sport in the world.

“They probably already have plans and you can’t be messing up plans. It’d be just unbelievable. I can’t imagine. Just being there with some nice cageside seats with my daughter. I’m stoked. If I end up putting the belt on them or whatever else, that’s just icing on the cake. I’m just happy to be there because this is the biggest, baddest, greatest card ever put together and I’m excited about the very first prelim.”

[lawrence-related id=2730775,2730137,2729692]

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.

Justin Gaethje agrees with Max Holloway’s pitch for Mark Coleman to present BMF title at UFC 300: ‘I love it’

Justin Gaethje is sold on Max Holloway’s idea to have Mark Coleman present the BMF belt to the winner of their UFC 300 showdown.

[autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag] is sold on [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag]’s idea to have [autotag]Mark Coleman[/autotag] present the BMF belt to the winner of their UFC 300 showdown.

During an interview with MMA Junkie earlier this week, Holloway (25-7 MMA, 21-7 UFC) said he would like UFC Hall of Famer Coleman to present the belt because he’s a “real life BMF” after saving his parents from a near-fatal house fire in March.

The idea caused excitement across the MMA community, including from Coleman himself. Many agreed it needs to happen, and Gaethje (25-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) would like nothing more than “The Hammer” to put the BMF championship around his waist on April 13 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+).

“I love it,” Gaethje told MMA Junkie on Friday. “Absolutely. The guy has fought so many times and he’s such a warrior in the cage and what he went through. I would love for him to do that. That’s a great idea. Best idea Max has had in a while. And he has a lot of good ideas.”

Gaethje said he hasn’t received any communication from the UFC as to whether this idea will come to fruition, but with Coleman having announced the promotion will fly him and his family to “Sin City,” things appear to be trending in the right direction.

“I haven’t talked to the UFC at all, so I have no idea,” Gaethje said. “I’ll definitely enjoy it more than (Jorge) Masvidal putting it on me (after beating Dustin Poirier at UFC 291). I know that.”

Gaethje, 35, is chomping at the bit to step inside the octagon at UFC 300 and throw down with Holloway, 32, in a matchup of two of the most exciting fighters in promotional history. It could be a potentially historic moment for Gaethje, too, as he can become the first to successfully defend the BMF title, which would mean a lot to him.

“Anytime you can be the first at anything, it’s pretty special,” Gaethje said. “Especially when it’s a positive thing. So I definitely like it and it’d be great for my legacy.”

[lawrence-related id=2730137,2729779,2727652]

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.

Mark Coleman to attend UFC 300 one month after rescuing parents in house fire, brush with death

If the UFC would like to have Hall of Famer Mark Coleman present the BMF belt at UFC 300, the opportunity will be there.

If the UFC would like to have Hall of Famer [autotag]Mark Coleman[/autotag] present the BMF belt at UFC 300, the opportunity will be there.

One day after Max Holloway shared the idea in an interview with MMA Junkie, Coleman announced Tuesday on Instagram that the UFC is bringing him and his daughters to UFC 300 on April 13 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The gesture comes just a few weeks after Coleman saved his parents from their burning home in Ohio. As a result, Coleman was hospitalized because of smoke inhalation and found himself “battling for his life” as he was intubated and sedated while doctors worked to remove soot from his lungs.

Coleman, 59, made a full recovery and has been back to doing regular activities.

Because of his heroism, Holloway told MMA Junkie it would only be right if “real-life BMF” Coleman did the honors of wrapping the belt around his or Justin Gaethje’s waste at UFC 300.

“The only correct answer is Mark Coleman,” Holloway said. “Especially with what he went through recently with his dog and his dog waking him to go save his stuff and he goes in there and runs for his dog? The guy’s a G. That’s a real-life BMF. That would be sick if he did it. It would be an honor to get him to do it.”

The UFC has invited a special guest to present the belt in the previous two BMF title fights. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson did the honors for the inaugural bout between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz in 2019 at UFC 244. Then Masvidal did it for the fight between Gaethje and Dustin Poirier last year at UFC 291.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.

Max Holloway calls for ‘real life BMF’ Mark Coleman to wrap title around winner of UFC 300 fight vs. Justin Gaethje

Max Holloway sees no better candidate than Mark Coleman to present the BMF title to the winner of his UFC 300 fight vs. Justin Gaethje.

The lineage of the BMF title says someone special needs to wrap the belt around the winner at UFC 300 – and [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag] sees no better candidate than [autotag]Mark Coleman[/autotag].

Holloway (25-7 MMA, 21-7 UFC), a former UFC featherweight champion, is set to challenge Justin Gaethje (25-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) for the BMF belt in a lightweight contest at UFC 300, which takes place April 13 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+).

The BMF title was created in November 2019 for the UFC 244 showdown between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wrapped the title around Masvidal after he earned a fourth-round TKO win. Following Masvidal’s retirement from UFC competition this past year, the promotion reintroduced the title for the UFC 291 headliner between Gaethje and Dustin Poirier in August, which was won by Gaethje, and saw Masvidal present him with the silver strap.

Now, with the third BMF title fight rapidly approaching, Holloway suggests UFC Hall of Famer Coleman give the belt to the winner of the fight after making what appears to be a full recovery from a tragic house fire where he saved his parents but claimed his family dog Hammer.

“The only correct answer is Mark Coleman,” Holloway told MMA Junkie when asked who should present the BMF title at UFC 300. “Especially with what he went through recently with his dog and his dog waking him to go save his stuff and he goes in there and runs for his dog? The guy’s a G. That’s a real life BMF. That would be sick if he did it. It would be an honor to get him to do it.”

[lawrence-related id=2724791,2724431]

Holloway is eagerly anticipating his showdown with Gaethje at UFC 300. The bout marks his return to lightweight for the first time since an interim title loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 236 in April 2019, and is a highly anticipated part of the historic card.

Although Holloway, 32, enjoys the concept of the BMF title, he said his energy perks up the most when he thinks about what it’s going to be like when he steps into the octagon with one of the most dangerous men in the sport in Gaethje.

“The belt is the belt – the belt is cool – it’s whatever,” Holloway said. “The things that can come with the belt can be life-changing, so we’ll see what happens. But I’m more excited that I get to share the octagon with Gaethje. It’s amazing. It’s amazing to share the octagon with a future Hall of Famer in him and, title or no title, being able to fight him is one of the best things I’m looking forward to.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.

Video: UFC legend Mark Coleman returns to gym less than a week after nearly dying in house fire

UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman’s recovery from near death is trending up.

UFC Hall of Famer [autotag]Mark Coleman[/autotag]’s recovery from near death is trending up.

Just last week, Coleman was incapacitated and connected to a breathing tube caused by smoke inhalation while rescuing his parents from their burning home in Freemont, Ohio. Six days later on Monday, Coleman returned to Matt Brown’s Immortal Martial Arts Center on his own power as seen in a video posted on Brown’s Instagram page.

Two days after he was readmitted to the hospital for pneumonia, Coleman physically appeared well and also in good spirits after delivering a one-liner for the camera.

“Never left,” Coleman said. “… Well, for a second.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4qYpjvrB9w/?igsh=MWl3cDhrNXhoaG13cA%3D%3D

Coleman, 59, was airlifted to a nearby hospital after his heroics in the house fire. He was sedated and intubated, and a GoFundMe was launched to assist with his medical bills.

For two days, Coleman lay in a hospital bed “battling for his life” while doctors worked to clear his lungs. Last Thursday, a video of Coleman alert and speaking in the hospital was posted on social media. An emotional Coleman called himself “the happiest man in the world” as he embraced his daughters.

In video on his own Instagram page, Coleman expressed appreciation to all of his fans and followers who sent well wishes and prayed for his recovery.

“I’m not totally sure how I was able to go back in and out four separate times and still be here today able to tell you about it,” Coleman said. “It truly is a miracle, and it’s in His hands for me to move forward.”

UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman readmitted to hospital for pneumonia

UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman is back in the hospital hours after he was released and is being treated for pneumonia.

The unpredictable week continues for UFC Hall of Famer [autotag]Mark Coleman[/autotag].

Friday, the same day he was released from an Ohio hospital, Coleman was readmitted and diagnosed with a case of pneumonia, his daughter Kenzie announced through her father’s social media channels Saturday.

“It’s been a worldwind [sic] of a week,” Kenzie wrote. “Yesterday my dad was released from St. Vincent’s in Toledo where they thought he was stable enough to go home. We were only home for about an hour in Columbus when he started to have numbness in his arms and chest pain. Of course my sister and I rushed him back to the hospital where we found out he has now developed pneumonia.

“Despite all of this he is still his same positive, spunky, spitfire self just as you can imagine from the video above. He wants to again thank you all for the support and love you have shown him and us during this extremely difficult time. I have read him so many of your guys comments and he is so overwhelmed with joy. He is getting rest and I promise to take the best care of him.

“He is the true definition of a fighter and defines strength like no other. Sometimes I even think he’s a super human. He loves you all so much. He always says without his supporters he’s nothing. It feels good to be home with my daddy. Please continue to pray for his healing and health during this recovery process. Hammer house 4 life.”

[lawrence-related id=2724431,2724791]

Coleman, 59, was admitted to the hospital Tuesday for smoke inhalation after he rescued his parents from their burning home in Fremont, Ohio. Coleman was airlifted to a nearby hospital, sedated and intubated. A GoFundMe was launched to assist with his medical bills.

Thursday, a video of Coleman alert and speaking in the hospital was posted on social media. An emotional Coleman called himself “the happiest man in the world” as he embraced his daughters from his hospital bed.

Coleman released a written statement Friday in which he thanked members of the MMA community for their support and voiced optimism about his recovery.

UFC legend Mark Coleman issues first statement from hospital since house fire: ‘Don’t ever count The Hammer out’

UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman’s brush with death has him feeling grateful – for everything.

UFC Hall of Famer [autotag]Mark Coleman[/autotag]’s brush with death has him feeling grateful – for everything.

Coleman issued his first official statement Friday, three days after he rescued his parents from a house fire in Freemont, Ohio, that killed his dog, Hammer. Coleman was airlifted to a local hospital, sedated and intubated for smoke inhalation, with early reports stating he was “battling for his life” as doctors worked to clear his lungs.

Coleman became alert Thursday and on Friday issued his first official statement through his daughter, Kenzie, on Instagram (edited for clarity).

“Mark ‘The Hammer’ Coleman here. I want to first thank my higher power above. Without him, this isn’t possible,” Coleman said. “Next I want to thank each and every one of you for the prayers, support, and generosity. I always knew I had the best fans around. What you have done for me and my family is truly remarkable. I also want to thank the doctors, nurses and hospital staff who saved my life. I can’t wait to take you all along with me during my recovery journey. You are all now (part) of ‘Hammer’ house. I’m blessed and grateful my parents and I are walking out of this alive. I encourage you to do the things you want to do, better yourself, and cherish every moment. Tomorrow is not promised.

“Also, it breaks my heart to say this, but Rest in Peace to my special dog Hammer. If you followed me before all of this, you knew he was my sidekick and bestfriend. We spent every day together, and I will miss him so much. As always … sober is cool, carnivore diet, 9 ancestral tenets. ‘Hammer’ house is 4 life. Are you in now? Don’t ever count ‘The Hammer’ out. I love you all.”

Coleman, 59, was the very first UFC heavyweight champion in 1997 and a former PRIDE grand prix winner. Nicknamed “The Hammer” and affectionately known as “The Godfather of Ground-and-Pound,” Coleman was inducted into both the pioneer and fight wings of the UFC Hall of Fame.

In recent years, Coleman overcome a number of personal adversities. In 2020, he survived a heart attack. And in 2021, Coleman went into rehab for alcoholism, becoming sober and an advocate for healthy living and sobriety.

‘I’m the happiest man in the world’: UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman alert, embraces daughters at hospital

Watch the emotional moment UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman embraces his daughters at the hospital following an Ohio house fire.

[autotag]Mark Coleman[/autotag] considers himself lucky to be alive.

Two days after he rescued his parents from a Fremont, Ohio, house fire that claimed the life of his dog Hammer, Coleman finally is alert and talking in a Toledo hospital.

Coleman was airlifted to the hospital, sedated and intubated for smoke inhalation. For the past two days, hospital staff worked to clear his lungs.

In a video posted Thursday, Coleman is seen embracing his daughters Morgan and Kenzie in an emotional moment, as he recaps what happened.

“I’m the happiest man in the world,” Coleman said. “Sweet God, I’m so lucky. I can’t believe my parents are alive. … I had to make a decision, Wes. Because I got out of my room and went to the door and it was already horrible. I couldn’t breathe. I almost had to go outside and I went back in and got them. I can’t believe I got them but I couldn’t find (our dog) Hammer.”

A GoFundMe was launched by Coleman’s daughters Thursday to help with his medical expenses. Many in the MMA community and beyond shared their well-wishes on social media. Coleman’s teammate and close friend [autotag]Wes Sims[/autotag] provided daily updates from the hospital on Facebook.

Coleman, 59, was the inaugural UFC heavyweight champion and a former PRIDE grand prix winner. Nicknamed “The Godfather of Ground-and-Pound”, Coleman was inducted into both the pioneer and fight wings of the UFC Hall of Fame.

In recent years, Coleman has dealt with multiple adversities in the public eye, including a 2020 heart attack. At the advice of Sims in 2021, Coleman went to rehab for alcoholism in 2021 and has since used his experience to promote healthy living and sobriety in positive-vibed social media posts.

30 greatest UFC fighters of all time: The ‘ultimate’ snub – Who should’ve made the list?

Charles Oliveira, Michael Bisping, Mark Coleman, Lyoto Machida, Cris Cyborg – Who was the “ultimate” snub?

The UFC’s 30th anniversary date has come and gone, and in the build-up to the milestone date, MMA Junkie counted down its 30 greatest fighters of all time to compete for the promotion.

There was plenty of debate about the entire list from top to bottom, and perhaps an even larger conversation about who was the most deserving fighter to not make the cut. Our first five out of the top 30 were all former champions: [autotag]Charles Oliveira[/autotag], [autotag]Michael Bisping[/autotag], [autotag]Mark Coleman[/autotag], [autotag]Lyoto Machida[/autotag], and [autotag]Cris Cyborg[/autotag].

The final list was tabulated through a points system after voting from MMA Junkie’s 12-person staff.

[lawrence-related id=2692340,2689024,2688997,2687454]

On a special edition of “Spinning Back Clique,” the majority of our staff members came together to discuss and debate the finer points of the list. Who was the “ultimate” snub? Which fighter right outside of our top 30 deserved to make this list?

Check out the discussion in the video above, or watch the entire 30 greatest UFC fighters of all time podcast below.