Former UFC Champ Mark Coleman recently battled smoke and flames to save his parents from their burning home. And the heroic man gratefully says that today he's "the happiest man in the world!"
Mark Coleman (59) was visiting his boyhood home near Sandusky, Ohio when his beloved dog Hammer awoke him at about 4:00 a.m. in the morning on Tuesday, March 12. Upon waking, he found the home in flames and immediately rushed into action. Mark, a warrior in the Octagon, re-entered the home multiple times in an effort to save his elderly parents and Hammer.
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Hammer Alerted The Family
Both of Mark's parents survived and are doing fine. However, Hammer, a Rottweiler aptly named after his owner-Mark's fighter nickname is "The Hammer,"- did not. Hammer's alert saved Mark and the rest of the family. But, despite his owner's best efforts, Hammer was lost. In serious condition after succumbing to smoke inhalation, Mr. Coleman was life-flighted from the scene.
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The UFC Hall of Famer's adult daughters, McKenzie and Morgan, were with their father during his recovery. They established a GoFundMe to help pay for his medical care and support their grandparents as they rebuild after losing everything in the tragic fire. Fans, family, and friends contributed over $120,000 to help Mark and his family.
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Doctors released Mark from Toledo's St. Vincent Hospital on March 15. However, the hero had to return for a few days after developing pneumonia. McKenzie wrote in an update, "We were only home in Columbus for about an hour when he started to have numbness in his arms and chest pain. My Sister, Morgan, and I rushed him back to the hospital where they determined he has developed pneumonia. Despite all of this, he is still the same positive, spunky, spitfire self just as I am sure you can imagine..."
WATCH: Former Champ of UFC, Mark Coleman, Wakes In Hospital After Fire
Mark Recovers At Home
Incredibly, the hero has now been released from the hospital a second time. He is recovering at home and has even returned to the gym for training since his harrowing ordeal. He wrote in an Instagram post, "I am healing up very well. My lungs are sore. My eyes are burnt but I'm very much alive and well. I feel so blessed it's in my higher powers hands. He wants me to move forward today and I am. I'm overwhelmed by the love and support that I have received, if I had a wish it would be that I could meet each and every one of you to give you a big hug and thank you in person."
In addition to "The Hammer," Mark has been called "The Godfather of Ground and Pound.” It's a reference to a particular fighting strategy that he regularly employed against his competitors. Today, Mark's girls and parents call him a hero. He calls himself blessed!
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"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Deuteronomy 31:6
WATCH: Former UFC Champ Mark Coleman Is ‘Happiest Man’
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h/t: Good News Network
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