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via Imago

via Imago

Mark Coleman, the Hall of Famer who was the first UFC heavyweight champion in 1997, is a hero in his own right. Let’s rewind to 2020 and see how that is. He came extremely close to ignoring the signs of an impending disaster due to a heart attack. However, he lived to tell the tale of his survival. His phrase “It wasn’t my time, it’s time to live,” was probably reminisced again recently by his parents because this time, he was the hero who saved them from a house fire that broke into their Fremont Ohio residence. Unfortunately, the UFC heavyweight champion faced his worst nightmare even after saving his parents.

In the early hours of March 12, 2024, a huge fire started in his residence where he lives with his parents and dog “Lil Hammer.” The Ballville Volunteer Fire Department, reached by the time it was 4 am. By that time, the damage was done. Mark Coleman saved their lives by going into the fire to help them get out. However, his beloved pet succumbed to injuries later. Things got worse from there because Coleman was injured by this time and had inhaled poisonous gases which landed him in the hospital in a critical state. 

 

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A post shared by herbdeanmma (@herbdeanmma)

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Going into the burning house three times to save his parents and his dog made him fall into a critical state. He was airlifted to the nearest hospital in Toledo after he suffered extreme smoke inhalation. He is currently in a medically induced coma and there are no further updates for now. 

Coleman’s daughters McKenzie and Morgan, have started a GoFundMe page for the legendary UFC star to help cover the huge medical bills for the treatment and save the fighter, now hooked to machines. The Instagram post by @herbdeanmma about the same, saw many fans come into the comments and give their condolences and even request the CEO of UFC, Dana White to help out.

Fans urge Dana White to help the Hammer

The daughters of the legend opened a GoFundMe, and they sent their heartfelt message to the UFC community asking for their help. The sisters gave an insight into how the family was struggling with the traumatic incident. Many fans came into the comments to request the multimillionaire CEO to help with the payments.

Given that Coleman is a key figure in UFC history, fans believe White owes it to him. The 59-year-old has a 7-5 UFC record and has fought in the promotion in two different decades. He has fought generational talents and legends including Don Frye, Dan Severn, Fedor Emelianenko, Mauricio Rua, Mirko ‘Cro Cop,’ Stephan Bonnar, and Randy Couture, during his Pride FC and UFC tenures.

“Dana needs to help him”

“He helps build the UFC. Come on @danawhite help the Hammer and his family.”

“@danawhite take care of this…”

Some fans suggested that the CEO needs to pay for the hospital bills since he is a UFC legend. One follower even went as far as to comment on how White would have helped Chuck Liddell.

“The ufc should pay this sh*t dudes a legend but I’m sure if it was Forrest or Chuck Dana would’ve all taken care of it.”

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“Prayers for the hammer and his family.”

A user on Instagram wrote about how Mark Coleman is a warrior. He indeed is because back in 2020, he battled a cardiac arrest that could have taken his life and now he saved his parents from a housefire by jeopardizing his safety.

“he’s a true warrior and a strong dude I pray he gets through this”

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The 59-year-old might have retired and might not be in his prime anymore but he still is a hero in the UFC world and the eyes of his fans and family. All we can do for the UFC Hall of Famer right now is to pray for his fast recovery. 

Read More- MMA News Roundup – Mark Coleman’s Family ‘Devastated’ Over UFC Legend’s Critical Condition; Conor McGregor Tops Anti-Doping Testing Charts; Sean