Combat sports matches can get brutal and although it’s a sport, sometimes it can be tough to believe it ends at that – especially for the younger generation. What happens in the UFC Octagon or inside an MMA ring, for that matter, is left behind in that ring, nine times out of ten. However, it cannot always be the case and that gives rise to intense and frightful rivalries that spill outside the ring.
UFC legend Mark Coleman is considered by many to be one of the greatest athletes to have stepped foot in the world of combat sports. He has had his fair share of losses alongside the glorious wins that make his career. One of his biggest losses ever came at the hands of Fedor Emelianenko, a feared name in MMA.
A beautiful moment of sportsmanship passed on to the next generation
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An old video of the PRIDE FC bout between Mark Coleman and Fedor Emelianenko was re-shared on Reddit. In the clash, Coleman put up a great fight, and it looked like he had the advantage. However, the technical supremo Emelianenko found a way to turn Coleman’s game up on him and put him in a hybrid armbar, forcing Coleman to tap. Following this loss, the former UFC legend was seen comforting his crying daughters and bringing them over to meet the legendary Fedor Emelianenko.
Man this stuff makes me sad. Respect
by u/Yoel__Romero in ufc
The fans were overwhelmed by this beautiful video of camaraderie and sportsmanship and showed their appreciation in the comment section. “Being a dad is a wonderful feeling. You can tell they’re a close and happy family,” read one while another comment read, “This is heartwarming, actually. The kids are reassured. Dad’s fine. Big bad guy isn’t some scary killer, he’s just engaging in sport with Dad. All is well.“.
Comments like, “This dude taught his daughters affection, humility, toughness, forgiveness, sportsmanship and respect in a one minute clip. What an amazing dad“, “Yeah I love this- a perfect combination of sportsmanship, good parenting and overall great family values“, “Heartwarming moment but just sad cus of what happens to most of these fighters health later on“, and “Facts. This is how you teach your kids about humility and respect.” went on to prove that Mark Coleman, besides being a great fighter, was also a family man and an amazing father to two beautiful daughters.
Combat sports is also a sport and all the aggression and hostility go out the window, the moment the referee brings the fight to an end. This is an important value that Coleman was seen teaching his daughters, first-hand. “Heartwarming and the end really got me” commented one fan; “What a class act – all the way. Deeply moving!” commented another.
Mark Coleman: Then and now
When Mark Coleman was representing the UFC, or even PRIDE FC for that matter, he was a beast on another level. There were only a handful of fighters who could match his caliber. Today, the legendary martial artist is 58 years old and retired. But he seems to still have the competitive spirit inside him.
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Mark Coleman recently uploaded a video where he was seen shadowboxing and sparring. Although it was less than graceful and almost hard to see for ardent fans of Coleman, the thing to be appreciated was that the man was not ready to sit it out. He has recently signed on with Celebrity Boxing. Recent news confirmed that he will be making his debut boxing match against former Boxing champion Montell Griffin, sometime in October.
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There are safety concerns regarding this match, but Coleman has always been destined for this. He is currently training and trying his best to get back in shape because fighting a former boxing champion at 58 years of age will not be easy – not even for Mark Coleman.
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