Earlier this year, the world of mixed martial arts experienced a state of shock. In March, the news broke that Mark Coleman, former UFC champion, was in a critical state of health after saving his parents from a fire. The former fighter got out of the burning house successfully but returned to save his dog. During that effort, he fainted and was left in a serious condition in the hospital.

The event took place at Coleman’s childhood home in Ohio. The 59-year-old athlete did not hesitate to enter the burning house to save his family, but he could not rescue all the members: his dog Hammer died in the fire. Now months after the incident, the former UFC champion has uploaded a post with his new dog, King Martello, and how he has helped him cope with the loss.

Sharing a picture of him and Martello, Coleman revealed that he is enjoying his sobriety and peace in life with his new dog. However, he still feels the pain of losing his dog ‘Hammer’ every day of his life.

Penning down an emotional caption, he wrote, “Hanging with King Martello. He brings me a lot of happiness. He’s got quite the personality. I still miss Hammer every single day. There has been an empty space in my heart ever since he left, but king helps. Gone but never forgotten, always in my heart, never replaced. Have a great Tuesday night everyone ❤️ Sober is cool, carnivore diet, Hammer house 4 life. Choose happiness.”

After taking his mother and father out of the fire, the former fighter entered the burning house again to save his dog. Unfortunately, he fainted in the attempt. Mark Coleman‘s relationship with his pet, Hammer, was very close; he even has several posts on his Instagram account, just like the latest one. Coleman had to be hospitalized for smoke inhalation and was intubated with oxygen and sedated. After being transferred to the hospital, seven crews of firefighters had to work on the scene to put out the flames. Social media was filled with messages of encouragement and prayers for Coleman’s health as many fans waited for his recovery. Now, it seems like all that encouragement worked.

Mark Coleman hits the gym soon after surviving the fire

After the heroic act, Mark Coleman was diagnosed with pneumonia and suffered several complications as a result of the incident. But being the fighter that he is, Coleman found a way to get back to good health and was discharged definitively by the medical team. Despite not being 100%, ‘The Hammer,’ as he is known, wasted no time in returning to action after being discharged.

Surprising his fans on social media, Mark Coleman soon appeared in a gym with his friend and UFC athlete, Matt Brown, before a probable training session. In the caption of the post, he wrote, “God is great. I am healing up very well. My lungs are sore. My eyes are burnt, but I’m very much alive and well. I feel so blessed it’s in my higher powers hands. He wants me to move forward today, and I am. I’m one of the luckiest men in the world.” 

The ex-UFC fighter further thanked his fans for motivating him to become a better version of himself. It is worth noting that Coleman’s family set up a GoFundMe page to help pay his medical bills. On the page, they requested $100,000 in donations. But little did they know that within a week, the count would reach over $120,000. Well, UFC fans would surely hope the real-life superhero continues living life the new and better way that he is. What do you think of Coleman’s heroic deed? Let us know in the comments.