Mark Coleman will forever have his name in the MMA history books.
The former Olympic wrestler and NCAA Division I champion became the first ever UFC heavyweight champion back at UFC 12 in 1997. After having a 5-0 start to his career, Coleman fought Dan Severn for the inaugural heavyweight title – it was a bout set to unify the UFC superfight championship and the UFC tournament championship to determine the first ever UFC heavyweight champ.
That night in Dothan, Ala., Coleman submitted the more experienced Severn almost three minutes into the fight. It was one of the best moments of his life.
“Euphoria,” Coleman said recalling the night on UFC Fight Pass’ “Where Are They Now?” “I was overwhelmed with joy happiness, excitement. I became the first ever UFC heavyweight champion. Quite an honor, about as cool as it gets.”
From that night on, Coleman had his ups and downs throughout his career, but through the process went on to achieve many remarkable things that cemented him as one of the legends of his era. Coleman went on to win the Pride FC 2000 open-weight grand prix, enter the UFC Hall of Fame, and add many wins over world-class fighters to his record.
Catch up with “The Hammer” and relive some of his most memorable moments through UFC Fight Pass’ “Where Are They Now?” series in the video above.
