Mark Coleman, the first-ever UFC Heavyweight champion, is fighting for his life after saving family members from a fire in his house. Photo Credit: UFC on YouTube Photo Credit: UFC on YouTube

Mark Coleman, the first-ever UFC Heavyweight champion, is fighting for his life after saving family members from a fire in his house.

Coleman, 59, was awoken early Tuesday morning when his house, in Fremont, Ohio was engulfed in flames. He saved both of his parents from the fire, getting them outside to safety. After that, he went back in, hoping to save his dog, Hammer, who had alerted him of the fire.

Sadly, Coleman passed out from smoke inhalation before he could save Hammer, who passed away in the fire. Coleman’s daughter, Morgan Coleman, shared in an Instagram post that her father “was life-flighted to the hospital where he is currently battling for his life after this heroic act.”

 

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A post shared by Morgan Coleman (@mocoleman18)

“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. Please continue to pray for him and our family during this extremely difficult time. We will miss our sweet hammer so deeply.”

The MMA honored her wishes sending its collective wishes to Coleman and his family on Tuesday as news of the fire and its aftermath became known.

Coleman is in the UFC Hall of Fame in the Pioneer Wing. In addition to MMA, he was also on the United States Olympic team in 1992, finishing seventh in Freestyle at 100kg.

[Morgan Coleman on Instagram, Photo Credit: UFC on YouTube]

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