Coleman suffered severe damage to his lungs after saving his parents, Connie and Dan, from a house fire last year.
FREMONT, Ohio — During the early morning hours of March 12, 2024, Fremont native Mark Coleman says he was not alone as he stood in the face of death.
“God guided me that night, throughout that fire,” Coleman said.
Amid thick smoke and the sound of crackling flames, Coleman, aka “The Hammer” had a clear focus as his childhood home was ablaze.
“The plan came right to me: I had to get my mom and dad out,” he said.
Coleman, a UFC Hall of Fame inductee, was at his parents’ house that night. He managed to lead his mother, Connie, out through the back door and his father, Dan, out through the front door.
“Had he not even come home that night, we wouldn’t even had made it out,” Connie said.
Unfortunately, the fire resulted in the death of Coleman’s dog, Hammer. Coleman himself suffered from severe smoke inhalation and had to be taken to the hospital by airlift.
Damage to his lungs caused him to go into a coma for nearly three days. He also suffered burns to his hands and damage to his eyes.
“When they (doctors) got down into my lungs, it was the most black stuff on a man’s lungs that they’ve ever seen,” Coleman said.
But his act of heroism now adds another victory to his legacy of success.
Coleman not only is a legend of the octagon, but he’s also a national champion in wrestling at Ohio State and an Olympian.
In recognition of his bravery during this life-threatening situation, Coleman was honored with the Fighting Spirit and Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2024 World MMA Awards.
“So happy for him that he’s finally getting his due because it’s made him stronger in other ways,” Connie said.
Coleman told WTOL 11 that he is feeling much better and is continuing to advocate for people to eat healthy and exercise daily.
Most of all, he’s counting his blessings.
“My mom and dad are still here and my daughters are still here,” Coleman said. “Life is good, life is what you make it, and I’m making mine great.”
