“I’m Beating Up Three Guys and the Cops…”: UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman Recollects Wild Initial Experience With UFC as He Explains Its Inevitable Rise in Last 30 Years

Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane will be butting heads this weekend for the vacant UFC heavyweight title in one of the biggest fight cards of the year. The UFC 285 pre-fight press conference included a Q&A session featuring UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman. He shared his thoughts on the level of popularity that the UFC has gained over the years.

Mark Coleman was the first-ever UFC heavyweight champion in history. A fighter with a record of 16 wins and 10 losses, ‘The Hammer’ was not only a big name in UFC, but made his mark in PRIDE Fighting Championships as well. The UFC ushered him into the Hall of Fame in 2008, under the ‘Pioneer Wing’.

Mark Coleman joined Daniel Cormier, Stipe Miocic, Frank Mir, and Curtis Blaydes at a Q&A session with the fans on the build-up to UFC 285. He was asked about his thoughts on how big the UFC has become now compared to when he was an active fighter in the promotion. He said it did not surprise him to see UFC’s rise in fame.

Mark Coleman isn’t surprised by the popularity of UFC today

Mark Coleman claims that he did imagine UFC becoming a global sports promotion. He reminisced about the night he beat three guys in one night. ‘The Hammer’ said, “I certainly did …UFC 10 three fights in one night. I couldn’t believe what just happened.” He then made a light-hearted comment on how his life became better after becoming after fighting in the UFC. Coleman said, “I’m beating up three guys and the cops ain’t coming. Nothing like that. I got paid, I got a belt, chicks started digging me, man. It was the greatest thing in the world.”

He then talked about the UFC’s global reach and said, “I did visualize that (UFC’s rise in fame) because everybody loves fighting. The whole world loves fighting. Man, that’s what it’s all about.” Coleman believes that fighting has evolved over the years and that is the reason behind UFC getting as big as it has right now.

READ MORE: Joe Rogan Tells Russell Brand Why He Doesn’t Accept Movie Roles Anymore

UFC has given the fans great fighters involved in great fights. UFC events experience a rise in viewership with each passing event. It is one of the most thrilling and unpredictable sports in the world. People also make huge bets on these fights. When betting on the UFC, people can win good money if they pay attention to the odds for certain fights. The roster is also full of fighters who help create an engaging and entertaining environment whenever they’re inside the octagon.

What are your thoughts on UFC’s popularity? Drop your comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: What happened to Jon Jones’ wife/fiance?