Alex Brotherton
Former UFC champion Mark Coleman is fighting for his life after rescuing his parents from a burning building.
Retired UFC star Coleman was placed in an induced coma in intensive care after a fire broke out at his parents' house on Tuesday.
According to his manager Michael DiSabato, Coleman rescued his parents from a house fire in Toledo, Ohio, at around 4 a.m on Tuesday morning.
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The blaze reportedly started in the kitchen of the property, with Coleman alerted by the barking of the family's dog, Hammer.
The 59-year-old pulled his mother and father from the burning home before re-entering the property in an unsuccessful attempt to rescue Hammer.
The fire took hours for firefighters to extinguish as they struggled to tackle the 'hot spots'. It's said that seven different fire departments were on hand to help.
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Coleman's parents were not seriously injured, but the former UFC star was rushed to Toledo hospital by helicopter after suffering the effects of smoke inhalation.
MMA writer Jonathan Snowden shared a photo to X of Coleman in intensive care.
Following the incident Coleman's daughter Morgan shared to Instagram a photo of her as a child with her father.
The caption read: "As many know, our dad was involved in a house fire early this morning along with his parents and beloved dog, hammer.
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"He managed to carry both of his parents out of the house but despite his best efforts was not able to save hammer. He was life-flighted to the hospital where he is currently battling for his life after this heroic act.
"Our father has always been our hero and means the world to us. He is and always will be a fighter. The strongest snd bravest man I know.
"Please continue to pray for him and our family during this extremely difficult time. We will miss our sweet hammer so deeply."
Later on Tuesday Coleman's mother, Connie Foos Coleman, posted on Facebook: "I am going to bed! Thank God we are alive.
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"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!"
Coleman joined UFC in 1996 and was one of the organisation's earlier breakout stars with a record of 16-10-0.