Conor McGregor ready for Celebrity Boxing match with UFC legend Mark Coleman: ‘Challenge accepted’

Conor McGregorConor McGregor is ready to make his return to the squared circle against UFC legend Mark ‘The Hammer’ Coleman. Coleman, 58, recently announced that he would be coming out of retirement to compete in a boxing match under the Celebrity Boxing banner. No other details have been provided, but ‘The Hammer’ is expected to strap […]

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor is ready to make his return to the squared circle against UFC legend Mark ‘The Hammer’ Coleman.

Coleman, 58, recently announced that he would be coming out of retirement to compete in a boxing match under the Celebrity Boxing banner. No other details have been provided, but ‘The Hammer’ is expected to strap on the 10-ounce gloves on October 14. The promotion is still seeking a celebrity opponent for Coleman, but they won’t have to look too hard as one of the biggest names in combat sports history has already thrown their name into the hat.

Responding to the announcement of Coleman’s imminent return, Conor McGregor responded with two simple words: “Challenge accepted!”

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It Wouldn’t Be the First Time Conor McGregor Has Stepped Inside the Boxing Ring

Of course, Conor McGregor is no stranger to the squared circle, having stepped away from the Octagon for a big-money fight with undefeated pugilist Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather in 2017. ‘The Nortious’ lost the bout via a 10th-round TKO, handing Mayweather his 50th career win.

Since the fight with Mayweather, Conor McGregor has only had his hand raised once inside the Octagon, besting Hall of Fame inductee Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone in 2020. ‘The Notorious’ hopes to get back into the win column later this year as he is expected to make his long-awaited return against high-octane lightweight standout ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler. But first, the two fan favorites will coach opposite one another on the 31st season of The Ultimate Fighter, premiering on May 30.

Like Conor McGregor, Mark Coleman is practically mixed martial arts royalty, holding the distinction of being the UFC’s first-ever heavyweight champion. He defeated Dan ‘The Beast’ Severn at UFC 12 in 1997 to capture the inaugural title. Coleman exited the promotion two years later and began a seven-year stint with PRIDE FC in Japan before returning to the Octagon in 2009. By then, Coleman’s best years were behind him and he ultimately ended his career by losing two of his last three bouts. Nearly 14 years later, ‘The Hammer’ is feeling better than ever and is ready to make his boxing debut.

UFC Hall of Fame inductee Mark Coleman, 58, set to snap lengthy retirement to take part in celebrity boxing match

Mark ColemanMark Coleman, the UFC’s first-ever heavyweight world champion, is coming out of retirement at the age of 58 for a celebrity boxing match later this year. Per a report from MMA Mania, ‘The Hammer’ has signed on the dotted line with Celebrity Boxing to make his squared circle debut at an event on October 14. […]

Mark Coleman

Mark Coleman, the UFC’s first-ever heavyweight world champion, is coming out of retirement at the age of 58 for a celebrity boxing match later this year.

Per a report from MMA Mania, ‘The Hammer’ has signed on the dotted line with Celebrity Boxing to make his squared circle debut at an event on October 14. No other details have been announced, but the promotion is seeking a celebrity-type opponent for the contest which will consist of three two-minute rounds. The event is scheduled to air on Fite TV.

In April, Mark Coleman teased a potential return to combat sports after suggesting he had accepted a slap-fighting matchup with fellow former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia. However, ‘The Maine-iac’ quickly distanced himself from the rumored bout, revealing that he had no interest in going toe-to-toe with ‘The Hammer’ under the SlapFIGHT banner.

“Lol why you got to let people think we are slapping each other man? That is not happening, you are a good buddy man. And you are a excellent catcher. Let’s keep it that way,” Sylvia posted to social media in response to the rumors.

With his slap-fighting dreams dashed, Mark Coleman will turn his attention to the squared circle.

Looking Back at Mark Coleman’s Legendary Career

Mark Coleman, a former NCAA Division I wrestling champion made his mixed martial arts debut at UFC 10 in 1996. ‘The Hammer’ would go on to win back-to-back tournaments en route to becoming the promotion’s first heavyweight champion, defeating Dan Severn at UFC 12. Coleman departed the promotion in 1999 and headed for Japan, competing under the PRIDE FC banner for the next seven years.

Colman made his return to the UFC in 2009 and dropped two of his last three fights before taking his gloves off for the final time.

‘The Hammer’ also dabbled in the world of sports entertainment, making appearances for New Japan Pro Wrestling and All Japan Pro Wrestling in the early 2000s. Coleman was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2008.

UFC legend Mark Coleman accepts Slap Fight clash with Tim Sylvia: ‘I have agreed to fight him next’

Mark ColemanUFC legend Mark Coleman has agreed to compete against fellow-former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia under the SlapFight Championship banner. Mark Coleman was present during Sylvia’s SlapFight debut over the weekend, acting as a “catcher” for Sylvia’s opponent, a SlapFight standout simply named ‘The Bouncer.’ Both men traded blows back and forth for five rounds […]

Mark Coleman

UFC legend Mark Coleman has agreed to compete against fellow-former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia under the SlapFight Championship banner.

Mark Coleman was present during Sylvia’s SlapFight debut over the weekend, acting as a “catcher” for Sylvia’s opponent, a SlapFight standout simply named ‘The Bouncer.’ Both men traded blows back and forth for five rounds before ‘The Maine-iac’ put his man down for good. Following the contest, Coleman took to Instagram, revealing that he had accepted an offer to compete opposite Sylvia in a SlapFight showdown.

“SlapFight tonight on Fire TV ?? @timsylviamma1 makes his debut in Oklahoma City the pressure is on this is very serious very real tons of courage it ain’t no@bitch slap,” Coleman posted. “If Tim wins I have agreed to fight him next. Sober is cool HammerHouse4Life.”

Tim Sylvia Declines Opportunity to Face Mark Coleman in a SlapFight

Commenting on Mark Coleman’s post, Tim Sylvia was quick to squash rumors of the potential clash, suggesting Coleman stick to his job as a “catcher” for SlapFight events.

“Lol why you got to let people think we are slapping each other man,” Sylvia responded in the comments after the event. “That is not happening, you are a good buddy man. And you are a excellent catcher. Let’s keep it that way.”

Mark Coleman, 58, holds the distinction of being the UFC’s first heavyweight champion, winning the title at UFC 12 in February 1997 by defeating another legend of the sport, Dan Severn. ‘The Hammer’ also holds the record for the fastest knockout in PRIDE FC history. Coleman competed against some of the biggest names in the UFC’s 30-year history, including Gary Goodridge, Don Frye, Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua, Randy Couture, and the late Stephan Bonnar. He also squared off with heavyweight icon Fedor Emelianenko on two separate occasions under the PRIDE banner.

Sylvia, 47, is best known for his UFC heavyweight championship trilogy with Andrei Arlovski inside the Octagon. ‘The Maine-iac’ retired in 2015 after failing to get licensed by the Mohegan Athletic Unit in 2015. “They said that I’ve received enough damage over 16 years,” Sylvia said while commenting on the denial.

Mark Coleman Details ‘Gentle Push’ Of Joe Rogan In Viral Video

UFC heavyweight pioneer Mark Coleman has finally revisited one of his most iconic moments with Joe Rogan. As a former heavyweight champion, multiple-time tournament winner, and Hall of Famer for the UFC, there is a lot that can be said about “The…

UFC heavyweight pioneer Mark Coleman has finally revisited one of his most iconic moments with Joe Rogan. As a former heavyweight champion, multiple-time tournament winner, and Hall of Famer for the UFC, there is a lot that can be said about “The Hammer” and his time as a pioneer for the sport of MMA. In…

Continue Reading Mark Coleman Details ‘Gentle Push’ Of Joe Rogan In Viral Video at MMA News.

Mark Coleman Announces He’s Achieved One Year Of Sobriety

UFC legend Mark Coleman has been sober for one year, as he announced on his social media on Friday. Coleman officially retired in 2013 after revealing that he had dealt with a series of health issues. His last fight came against former UFC champion Randy Couture at UFC 109, losing via second-round submission. Coleman remains…

Continue Reading Mark Coleman Announces He’s Achieved One Year Of Sobriety at MMA News.

UFC legend Mark Coleman has been sober for one year, as he announced on his social media on Friday.

Coleman officially retired in 2013 after revealing that he had dealt with a series of health issues. His last fight came against former UFC champion Randy Couture at UFC 109, losing via second-round submission.

Coleman remains a massive part of the UFC community and also coaches various fighters in the cage. However, one of his most important achievements recently came outside of MMA.

In a recent tweet, Coleman shared an incredible out of the Octagon achievement with his fans.

“1year sober as f***,” Coleman announced. “One year ago today I was getting my ass wupped bad in the hospital I didn’t tap I got help. You can too! Rehabilitation does happen. HammerHouse4Life.”

Coleman is regarded as one of the main pioneers of MMA’s growth around the world. He won the UFC’s first-ever heavyweight title with a victory over Dan Severn at UFC 12 on Feb. 7, 1997.

In addition to his UFC accolades, Coleman also enjoyed a successful tenure in PRIDE during the prime of his career. He earned wins over the likes of Don Frye and Shogun Rua and also competed against Fedor Emelianenko twice.

Fans have been concerned with Coleman and his health since a heart attack he had in 2020. After making a full recovery from the scare, he appears in great shape despite being 57 years old.

What is your favorite memory from Mark Coleman’s UFC career?

Continue Reading Mark Coleman Announces He’s Achieved One Year Of Sobriety at MMA News.

Mark Coleman Wishes He Trademarked The Phrase ‘Ground & Pound’

Mark ColemanMark Coleman regrets not trademarking the phrase ground and pound. The UFC Hall of Famer is known as the ‘Godfather of Ground-and-Pound’, a technique he helped popularise with his wrestling-heavy style. It’s a term that is still used at each and every MMA event. Coleman just wishes he was able to cash in on the […]

Mark Coleman

Mark Coleman regrets not trademarking the phrase ground and pound.

The UFC Hall of Famer is known as the ‘Godfather of Ground-and-Pound’, a technique he helped popularise with his wrestling-heavy style.

It’s a term that is still used at each and every MMA event. Coleman just wishes he was able to cash in on the popularisation of the phrase.

“It’s pretty damn neat, I’ll tell you that,” Coleman told Betway about the mainstream use of ground and pound. “I just kind of wish I’d trademarked that name because I coined that phrase. They probably wouldn’t call it ground-and-pound now because they would have to pay me!

“But it’s pretty cool, I appreciate the nickname. I love the fans, I’ve been treated so well by all of them and I hope I’ve shown a lot of love back because without the fans, you have nothing.”

Coleman’s failure to trademark the popular phrase was not born out of a lack of understanding about how big the UFC would become. The promotion is now worth in excess of $7 billion and that is something the MMA legend says he saw coming.

“I remember walking out of the cage after I beat Don Frye and my head was just going crazy. I visualised this being the biggest sport in the world,” Coleman said

“I really thought if they could defeat the lawsuits, add some rules, play their cards right and survive, I absolutely did visualise it being this big.”

All in all, Coleman couldn’t be prouder of the things he achieved during his UFC career.

“I’m proud,” Coleman said. “I’m very, very proud to have been there at the beginning of this and I wanted to hold on as long as I could.

“I was a pioneer, but at the same time, I made it all the way to UFC 109, so I made it far enough that I wasn’t just there at the beginning, but the middle, too.”

Do you think Mark Coleman missed a trick by not trademarking the term ground and pound?