Former UFC champion opens up about addiction: 'Biggest fight of my life'

Mark Coleman (photo) was UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

While MMA has produced some of the most talented athletes over the years, some of the most difficult fights can be fought away from the octagon. For Mark Coleman, for example, the post-retirement years were spent silently battling alcohol addiction. In this context, the production of the film 'The Smashing Machine' ended up serving as a way to make the cause even more visible to the sports community.

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The film, scheduled for release in October of this year, tells the story of fellow former fighter Mark Kerr. The former athlete, Coleman's training partner, endured difficult times due to addiction to various substances over the years. For Mark, the first heavyweight champion in the history of the UFC, the pursuit of health is essential to escaping the evils of substance abuse.

“God took away my obsession with drinking. He guides me now. I'm here to try to help people get sober. And believe me, it's the hardest fight of my life… You need to take action, you need help. And you need to do it now, because tomorrow may not come. So, put down the bottle, get off the couch, do some exercise. But first, get sober. I can do anything if I just stay sober,” said the former fighter in an interview with the website 'MMA Fighting' last Sunday (3).

The Rock in a training session to play Mark Kerr. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Coleman will be played by fellow wrestler Ryan Badder in the feature film, which stars Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson in the lead role. When discussing the film, he highlighted his friend's support during his process of quitting drinking.

“I love this guy (Kerr). I'm so happy with how things are working out for him. Because we're sober brothers. He's almost eight years old and he inspired me to get sober too. We feed off each other a little. He deserves it, and I couldn't be happier for this guy. A great friend of mine,” he concluded.

Mark Coleman survived a fire last year

Former UFC champion, Mark Coleman, who saved his family from house fire, is responsive after waking up in the hospital pic.twitter.com/wPyU3VpVcu

—Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) March 17, 2024

The former champion returned to the headlines last year for an act of extreme heroism. In March, the American was hospitalized due to smoke inhalation after a fire in his home. In the midst of the ordeal, he saved his parents from the flames and returned home to retrieve his dog, but couldn't find him and collapsed.

He managed to survive, but unfortunately the dog wasn't so lucky. In April, the UFC allowed the former fighter to buckle the BMF belt in Max Holloway after the victory against Justin gaethje No. UFC 300.