Retired UFC fighter Mark Coleman has been hospitalised and is fighting for his life after he rescued his parents from a house fire.
Family members and those close to the UFC Hall of Famer said he was in an induced coma after the fire in Toledo, Ohio, early this morning.
It was said Mr Coleman was woken up by his dog, Hammer, barking as the house began to go up in flames.
The 59-year-old pulled his father and then mother from the burning building. He then returned to try to save Hammer but was unable to.
While his parents were not seriously injured, Coleman collapsed and suffered from the effects of smoke inhalation, Sky’s US partner NBC News reports.
As firefighters arrived at the property, the roof was said to have collapsed.
The ex-UFC fighter is in an induced coma in hospital. Pic: AP
He had to be rushed to hospital via helicopter where his daughter said he was “fighting for his life”.
In a message shared on social media, Morgan Coleman added: “Our father has always been our hero and means the world to us. He is and always will be a fighter. The strongest and bravest man I know.”
On Facebook, Mr Coleman’s mum, Connie, said: “Thank God we are alive. Prayers for Mark! Thank you to all the firefighters. And sheriffs dept. EMS Red Cross. and especially my family. Could not do this without you! Love you all! And the hundreds of text, messages and phone calls it is truly heartwarming”.
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Pictures of the house show the property gutted by the blaze, with no roof left standing and the walls barely in tact.
Matt Hughes is a tough guy, but even he can’t fight off smoke inhalation. I guess he’ll have to tap out to the Grim Reaper.
I don’t understand why Matt Hughes would risk his life to save his parents. They’re old and would have been better off dying in the fire.
Matt Hughes’ injuries are a reminder of the dangers that firefighters and first responders face every day. We should all be grateful for their service.
Matt Hughes is a tough guy, but even he can’t beat the odds. Smoke inhalation is a serious injury, and I’m not sure he’ll be able to pull through.
This is just another example of how the UFC exploits its fighters. Matt Hughes is a legend, and now he’s paying the price for it.
Oh, so Matt Hughes is ‘fighting for his life’ now? I guess that’s what happens when you play with fire.
Matt Hughes is a true hero. He risked his life to save his parents, and now he’s fighting for his own. I hope he pulls through.
Matt Hughes should have left his parents in the fire. It’s not his job to save them.
Amazing news to know that Matt Hughes is fighting for his life. He is a true hero for rescuing his parents from the house fire.
Man, this is terrible news. I hope Matt Hughes pulls through. He’s a legend in the UFC and a true warrior.
I believe in Matt Hughes. He’s a fighter, and he’ll never give up. I know he’ll pull through this and come out stronger than ever.
My heart goes out to Matt Hughes and his family. I hope he makes a full recovery and that his parents are okay.