Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
The 55-year-old MMA pioneer is expected to recover.
UFC Hall-of-Famer Mark Coleman is currently in the hospital after suffering a heart attack. “The Hammer” and his daughter Morgan confirmed the news via Instagram (HT Will Harris/Anatomy of a Fighter).
Prayers for the legend @Markcolemanmma , who is recovering from a heart attack Recover like the beast you are brotha. Keep your thoughts on him MMA family. #UFCVegas13 pic.twitter.com/itv6id2G6T
— Anatomy of a Fighter (@WillHarrisAOAF) November 8, 2020
According to the younger Coleman, her father is expected to make a full recovery pending a few more tests. Mark himself gave a positive update regarding his current condition.
Thank you all I’m doing good ???
— Mark Coleman (@Markcolemanmma) November 8, 2020
Coleman’s competitive career began in the early 80s as a high school wrestler. He continued this journey throughout his collegiate years and received an All-American distinction. After several Pan American championships in the early 90s, he represented the United States in Freestyle Wrestling at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics.
Coleman transitioned to cage fighting during the UFC’s infancy years in 1996, where he became the organization’s first heavyweight champion. He also had a seven-year stint under the legendary PRIDE banner before having another run in the UFC until he retired in 2010. In 2008, Coleman was inducted into the UFC Hall-of-Fame.
Last month, Coleman opened up about being a victim of sexual abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss, his physician during his senior year in college at Ohio State University.