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UFC Legend Mark Coleman Released from Hospital After Saving Parents from House Fire

Doric SamMarch 18, 2024

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 03: UFC hall of famer Mark Coleman is seen on stage during the UFC 30th Anniversary Q&A session at MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 03, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman has been released from the hospital after last week's near-fatal house fire.

The MMA legend provided an update to fans with a five-part video on Instagram. Per TMZ, it was less than a week ago that he saved his mother and father from a house fire in Toledo, Ohio, early Tuesday morning, which caused him to be hospitalized due to smoke inhalation.

"My lungs are sore. My eyes are burned, but I'm very much alive and well," Coleman said. "I feel so blessed it's in my higher power's hands. He wants me to move forward today and I am."

Coleman thanked fans for their prayers and well wishes, particularly after his late dog, Hammer, sadly perished in the blaze. A GoFundMe was created by his daughters to help with medical expenses and has since received over $122,000 in donations from more than 2,600 donors.

The 59-year-old added that he hopes his experience helps remind people to live life to the fullest and never take it for granted.

"I'm one of the luckiest men in the world," Coleman said. "I can't thank you enough. I'm just grateful. I'll continue to motivate people to move forward and be a better version of themselves. You never know when you're gonna need it, so let's go. Let's start today. Tomorrow's not promised. Get moving!"

Coleman is a pioneer in MMA and one of the first fighters with a wrestling background to rise to success. He is the UFC's first heavyweight champion and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2008. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Ground-and-Pound," Coleman also was the Pride FC Open Weight Grand Prix champion in 2000 and won an NCAA Division I national title at Ohio State in 1988.