UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman is in hospital fighting for his life after he saved his parents from a house fire.
The 59-year-old was put in an induced coma after collapsing due to heavy smoke inhalation in the horrifying incident at his Ohio home.
Coleman was taken to hospital via a helicopter and images that have surfaced on social media show he has been placed on a ventilator.
It's said that Coleman was woken up by his dog Hammer in the early hours of Tuesday morning, who alerted him to the fire.
He immediately went to get his parents out of the house and was successful in doing so, with both escaping serious injury.
Coleman went back into the house in an attempt to save Hammer but unfortunately was unable to do so.
The roof had collapsed by the time firefighters had arrived on the scene.
Pictures of the house have surfaced on social media showing the devastating effect the fire had.
Coleman's daughter Morgan posted a message on Instagram where she thanked her father for the 'heroic act'.
She wrote: "As many know, our dad was involved in a house fire early this morning along with his parents and beloved dog, Hammer.
"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 and 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.
"Thank you for all the love and support. Hammer house for life."
Coleman's mother Connie also took to Facebook to post a message following the fire.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
This is what's left of the house Mark Coleman and his family were in last night.
— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) March 12, 2024
Mark's dog Hammer woke him up to a house in flames. He saved both his parents and is fighting for his life. pic.twitter.com/hicYhv7SDm
She wrote: "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 texts, messages and phone calls it is truly heartwarming".
Coleman spent 14 years in MMA between 1996 and 2010, starting his career in UFC.
He returned to UFC in 2008 and was the fifth inductee in the Hall of Fame.
Mark Coleman saved both his parents from a raging house fire, then went back in for the dog. He had to be lifeflighted to the hospital.
— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) March 12, 2024
If anyone can beat back death itself, it's Mark.
We were close to doing a book and it would have been a fascinating ride. A big, badass life. pic.twitter.com/Ll7ILAP995
Coleman also spent time in professional wrestling between 2000 and 2007.
Fellow UFC Hall of Famer Dan Severn wrote on X: "Please join me in sending prayers and our best wishes to my friend Mark Coleman.
"He bravely rescued his parents from a fire in their home and is now in critical condition in the hospital.
"Mark has always been a fighter and is now fighting for his life."