Former UFC Fighter Mark Coleman Breathes on His Own After Saving Parents from House Fire
Former UFC heavyweight champion Mark Coleman’s heroic act of saving his parents from a house fire in Ohio has resulted in a miraculous turn of events, as he now breathes on his own in the hospital, according to his daughter Kenzie.
On Wednesday, Coleman’s daughter Morgan had shared the dire situation on Instagram, stating that her father was “battling for his life” after rescuing his parents from the blaze. Coleman went back and forth into the burning house on Tuesday, managing to carry both of his parents to safety.
In a heartening update shared by Kenzie on Coleman’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, a video shows the 59-year-old fighter sitting up in bed and expressing his gratitude for being alive.
“Update: this is Kenzie. God is good. Miracles do happen. Our dad is breathing on his own. We want to thank you all for the love and support from the bottom of our hearts,” wrote Kenzie in the caption of the video.
Visibly emotional, Coleman expresses, “I’m the happiest man in the world. Sweet God, I’m so lucky. I can’t believe my parents are alive.”
Following his admission to the hospital in Toledo, Ohio, Coleman’s friend and fellow former UFC fighter Wes Sims revealed on Facebook that Coleman had been “intubated & sedated.”
After successfully rescuing his parents, Coleman also attempted to save the family dog, Hammer, from the fire. Tragically, Hammer did not survive, and Coleman was airlifted to the hospital after his heroic act.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Coleman said in the video, “I had to make a decision because I got out of my room and went to the door and it was already horrible. I couldn’t breathe. I almost had to go outside and I went back in and got them. I can’t believe I got them but I couldn’t find Hammer.”
Kenzie expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support the family received, thanking everyone who lifted her spirits during this challenging time.
In response to the Instagram post, fellow UFC stars including Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic sent messages of relief and support to Coleman.
“Glad you’re OK stud,” wrote Jon Jones, while Stipe Miocic said, “So happy you are ok brother.”
Mark Coleman is revered as one of the most influential figures in UFC history, having become the promotion’s first-ever heavyweight champion. With a record of 16-10, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2008.
Prior to his MMA career, Coleman excelled as an amateur wrestler, winning an NCAA championship at Ohio State in 1988 and competing at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
