Mark Coleman saved the lives of his parents from peril. Insights from his daughters and close friend Wes Sims bring to light the harrowing details of the tragedy via messages shared on social media.
In an extraordinary display of courage and selflessness, UFC legend Mark Coleman has emerged not just as a champion in the ring but a hero in real life. The mixed martial arts pioneer found himself in a life-and-death scenario, in which he demonstrated bravery beyond measure by rescuing his parents, Dan and Connie Foos Coleman, from a catastrophic house fire.
The incident, however, came with a heavy price as Mark had to be transported to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Amid this turmoil, the Coleman family also mourns the loss of their cherished dog, Hammer, who couldn’t be saved from the blaze.
Mark Coleman at the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2020 Induction Ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 23, 2021
Wes Sims—a close friend of Mark’s—shared a message about the incident on social media, stressing that Mark was left in critical condition as a result of the fire. “He was life flighted to Toledo and is currently intubated & sedated. I swear […] he’s one of the toughest individual ever created, been thru so much a Movie at this point could not give his life work Justice!” Wes expressed.
Mark Coleman at the UFC 30th Anniversary Q&A session in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 3, 2023
Morgan Coleman—one of Mark’s daughters—also spoke out about what happened. She conveyed the severity of her father’s situation through an Instagram post that showed an endearing throwback photo of her and her sister, Kenzie Coleman, as little girls sitting on their father’s lap as all three flexed their muscles.
“He is currently battling for his life after this heroic act. Our father has always been our hero and means the world to us. He is and always will be a fighter. The strongest and bravest man I know […] We will miss our sweet hammer so deeply,” Morgan captioned.
She also extended heartfelt thanks to the many people who have been sending messages of support and well wishes. Like her sister, Kenzie also took to social media to express her distress over the incident through Instagram Stories, where she highlighted her close relationship with her dad and emphasized the pain she feels over losing Hammer.
Kenzie Coleman’s Instagram Story about her dad posted on March 12, 2024
“Anyone who knows me knows my dad is my world. Whatever you believe in please keep my dad and family in your thoughts and prayers […] My dog already got taken from me please don’t take my daddy … 😔❤️& rip to my puppy who was my world. He saved my dads life by barking until he woke up,” she wrote, alongside a repost of Morgan’s heartfelt post about Mark.
She also shared another Instagram Story showing her dad and her late puppy, Hammer, cuddling in a picture. A part of the heartfelt words accompanying the image read, “I will miss my little boy every single day […] Please don’t take my daddy too. ❤️”
Kenzie Coleman’s Instagram Story about her dad posted on March 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram/kenziecoleman7
Morgan, Mark and Kenzie Coleman posing for a picture posted on March 27, 2022
Though serious in its nature, this recent incident is not Mark’s first dance with adversity. The UFC Hall of Famer has faced significant health challenges in the past. In 2015, Wes launched a GoFundMe page to cover Mark’s medical expenses following a series of misfortunes linked to a 2013 hip replacement.
Mark Coleman at the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2020 Induction Ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 23, 2021
“The God Father of Ground and Pound” saw his retirement marred by health issues. After his hip replacement, complications arose which led to Mark experiencing severe pain and multiple dislocations.
His condition then deteriorated to the point of hospitalization for an infection that nearly turned septic. With his insurance expiring and no income, the GoFundMe page aimed to alleviate financial pressures by covering his living costs, medical bills, and future surgery requirements.
Mark Coleman at the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2020 Induction Ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 23, 2021
Earlier this year, Mark’s health challenges continued to unfold publicly through heartfelt updates on Instagram, where he shared videos from the hospital. In one post where he was seen donning a red beanie and lying in a hospital bed, Mark spoke candidly about undergoing a necessary procedure due to the return of his hematoma and infection.
Mark Coleman at the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2020 Induction Ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 23, 2021
“I’m getting emergency surgery not really emergency but kinda I’m so blessed they got me in today. The infection is back in the hematoma is back gonna take care of this move forward bad things happen it’s how you handle it. That counts, grateful and blessed that they can get me in today,” he divulged, showcasing his unwavering spirit and gratitude despite the circumstances.
Mark Coleman at a UFC Fight Night event in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 13, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
In another update, Mark—surrounded by his loving daughters—revealed he had undergone hip surgery the day prior to posting the video. Despite the circumstances, he remained upbeat, engaging in lighthearted banter and emphasizing his determination, “It’s gonna be a rough 👑 surgery […] but […] I’m confident I will be […] fine. I’m blessed life is good. Life is what you make it, mine is great.”
Mark Coleman at the UFC 100 event in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 11, 2009
The following month after sharing his surgery updates (February 2024), Mark shared another Instagram post showing two side-by-side images of him before he lost weight and after.
He also spoke about his eating habits and mentioned, “I’ve been on the carnivore diet and living the nine ancestral tenets […] sober is the coolest thing I ever did almost 3 years now saved my life,” emphasizing the importance of perseverance and support in overcoming health challenges.
Mark Coleman posing for a portrait in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 1, 2009
From his previous health predicaments to the most recent one, Mark has proved his tenacity not just as a fighter but as a father, a hero, and a survivor through the years. As he faces this new battle, the strength and courage that defined his career now shine brighter than ever, embodying the heart of a true champion.
