The old days of the UFC were wild. Before it became the well-regulated, standardized sport that it is today, the UFC was very much a bloodsport and even marketed as such. The Unified Rules didn’t exist; there were no weight classes or time limits. It was very much a tough guy’s sport. With legends like Don Frye, Mark Coleman, Royce Gracie, and Ken Shamrock battling it out in a contest to determine the best martial art.
And at a technical level, the sport was a far cry from what it is today. Mark Coleman became the first heavyweight champion of the UFC in the first edition of weight classes introduced in 1996. He is also credited with starting the first hammer fists in the UFC. And while those guys may have the respect of the whole UFC world, they made a fraction of the money fighters make today. And this has led to some unfortunate scenarios. Such as the upcoming one with Mark Coleman.
Mark Coleman to make combat sports comeback at 58
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The first heavyweight champion of the UFC has been training for the past year. He will face former boxer Montell Griffin in his boxing debut at an official celebrity boxing event on October 14, 2023. The event will be airing on Fite TV. Coleman has been inactive for over a decade since his last fight at UFC 109 in 2010. He lost the bout to MMA legend Randy Couture via a second-round submission.
For his upcoming match, ‘The Hammer’ had asked Mike Tyson to train him. But the latter did not respond. And while he may be enthusiastic about the upcoming bout, his recent health problems, including his hip getting dislocated a couple of weeks ago, have fans very concerned for his health.
‘The Hammer’ trying out hyperbaric chamber
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The 58-year-old took to his Instagram account and gave an update on his training and health. He told fans that he was training up to eight hours a day. Coleman also revealed that he was undergoing hyperbaric chamber therapy. Many celebrities, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Joe Rogan, favor this therapy. He wrote that he was continuing on his carnivore diet, remaining sober, and working out in a variety of ways.
“Every day is a grind there are no days off weighing in at 242 pounds today and the Hocat chamber at Hiperbaric Therapy of Dublin Ohio. Thrive 224 . They have given me the ability to do more still averaging eight hours a day training sessions, stretching kettle bells, advance, walking sparring, heavy bag, running swimming. I mix it all up. I just keep going. Sober is cool carnivore diet ancestral tenets Hammerhouse4life”
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After years of problems related to injuries, alcohol addiction, and his personal life, Coleman seems to have found a purpose. And fans are happy to see him do well and focus on his health once more. But many are worried and concerned about how fighting again might take a toll on his body. What do you think of Coleman’s return? Let us know in the comments!
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