The confrontation between Fedor Emelianenko and American Mark Coleman at the beginning of the century was a landmark in the world of mixed martial arts. But now the famous rival, who has become a friend of the Last Emperor over the years, is experiencing health problems, due to which he regularly ends up in the hospital.

“Fedor, you know I love you”

Coleman will forever go down in mixed martial arts history as the first UFC heavyweight champion. This happened back in 1997. Then, the Hammer defeated the legendary Dan Severn. After that, Mark faced a series of unsuccessful fights, which he managed to overcome only after changing promotions.

In Pride FC, the American fighter also achieved significant success, becoming the winner of the Grand Prix in 2000. Four years later, Coleman first experienced the power of the Russian school of combat sambo, losing to Fedor Emelianenko in the first round. Two years later, Mark had the opportunity to take revenge on the Last Emperor, but in front of American fans, he lost again.

After the fight, Mark and Fedor maintained a rather warm relationship. Before the Russian’s final fight in MMA, Coleman even recorded a touching parting message.

“Fedor, you know I love you. I hope you’re doing well. You’re a great person, I miss you. I hope I see you again. Please train hard for the next fight. You’re my favorite fighter of all time. I love you,” Coleman said in a video message.

Mark also came to Emelianenko’s fight with Ryan Bader and entered the cage along with other former opponents of the Russian to pay his respects to the Last Emperor.

Photo: © Bellator

“I need urgent surgery”

However, Coleman’s personal life has been in turmoil lately. Only three years ago, the athlete managed to overcome his alcohol addiction. Instead of a glass, Mark again became addicted to grueling physical exercise.

The training helped the athlete save his elderly parents from a burning house in March this year. The selfless fighter also tried to save his faithful dog named Hammer, but failed and ended up in intensive care. The family even had to raise money on a special website.

“If you know Mark Coleman, you know he has a huge heart, he is fierce, he is not afraid of anything, he loves the Lord and he would do anything for his family. He has been sent to the hospital where he needs a lot of prayer to clear his lungs. All funds donated will go directly to Mark’s expenses,” the statement read.

Mark Coleman / Photo: © Mark Coleman’s personal archive

Then they managed to raise more than $120,000, which was used to cover medical bills, which are very large in the US. Fortunately, the fighter was saved, and soon he returned to grueling training and even got a new dog.

But Coleman’s problems didn’t end there. On June 14, he posted another photo from the hospital on social media. This time, Mark ended up on the operating table with a hernia. It was a planned procedure that went smoothly, but a month later, the athlete found himself in a medical facility, this time against his will.

“Going back to the hospital. I need emergency surgery for a septic hip. I was so close to being 100%. Oh well, God willing,” Coleman wrote on social media.

As a result, doctors had to perform a hip replacement surgery to fight the infection. Before that, the fighter remained optimistic and hoped for the best. Mark has not yet reported the results, but there is no doubt that if it goes well, Molot will continue to squeeze the maximum out of his body. That’s just his character.