Retired UFC fighter Mark Coleman hospitalized after house fire

UFC legend Mark Coleman has been hospitalized after suffering from smoke inhalation while rescuing his parents from a house fire in Toledo, Ohio, on Tuesday morning.

According to friends and family, Coleman, 59, was airlifted to the hospital, reports ESPN.in.

The fire broke out at the house around 4:00am when Coleman was awakened by the barking of the family’s dog Hammer.

Mark Coleman’s family said the fire originated in the kitchen of the house.

His daughters Morgan and Kenzie confirmed via Instagram and also said father Mark Coleman is “battling for his life after this heroic act” as he went back into the home to try to save the family dog but was unable to.

Morgan wrote that their father was involved in a house fire early this morning [Tuesday] along with his parents and dog Hammer.

“He [Mark Coleman] had been successful in bringing parents out of the smoked house but he did everything in his power to save Hammer, but no to avail.”

The house roof then collapsed soon after the firefighters arrived at the scene.

“Our dad was life-flighted to the hospital. He is undergoing treatment there,” said Morgan and Kenzie.

Manager Michael DiSabato said late Tuesday that family members, including Coleman’s rescued mother, believe he will pull through, despite the urgent medical attention.

Mark Coleman, who is considered a pioneer of mixed martial arts, became the UFC’s first heavyweight champion in 1997.

The UFC fighter was a standout in amateur wrestling, prior to his MMA career.

Mark Coleman won an NCAA Division I title for Ohio State in 1988.

He also represented the US in the Olympics in 1992 while the UFC inducted Coleman into its Hall of Fame in 2008.