Fight Back with Jake Shields Mark Coleman on His UFC Career, Retirement, and Tragedies - Fight Back Ep. 119
Nov 4, 2025
Mark Coleman, a legendary fighter and Olympic-level wrestler, shares gripping stories from his career and personal life. He talks about his early UFC tournaments and the transition to Pride Fighting, emphasizing the role of wrestling in his success. Coleman reveals the harrowing details of a house fire that changed his life and his journey toward recovery from alcoholism. He reflects on his friendships with fellow fighters and his emotional moments during his Grand Prix comeback, highlighting the community and legacy he's built throughout his life.
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Cardio Fails From Neglect, Not Size
- Coleman attributes many cardio problems to not training and drinking, not size. His best performances came when sober and properly conditioned.
Pride Grand Prix: Rules, Strategy, Victory
- Coleman describes his Pride Grand Prix run, the unpredictable rule changes, and the no-time-limit final that upended his strategy. He won via repeated knees to the head before a belly-tap finish.
Listen To The Right Coach And Execute
- When a respected coach speaks, listen closely and execute; Coleman names Dan Gable as transformative. He credits obsessive, unpredictable conditioning with building the mental edge to belong at elite levels.
