Sadly, UFC legend Mark Coleman needs help as he awaits surgery on his hip

If ever there was a case for allowing UFC fighters to form a union, this is it.

The retired life can be tough time for professional fighters, and it has certainly not been treating Mark Coleman well. The first ever UFC Heavyweight champion is currently in the hospital awaiting surgery on his hip which has been delayed while medical staff wait for his infection to subside. Despite his success as a fighter and being one of the pioneers of MMA, Coleman isn't financially stable enough to cope with the impending hospital bills. His friend, Wes Sims, wa fellow UFC veteran, has created a GoFundMe account for Coleman, explaining that "The Hammer" has no income and his insurance is about to run out and needs donations to pay for his treatment. Sims explained Coleman's situation on the GoFundMe page.

Mark had a hip replacement in 2013 and after surgery was named Wrestling Coach for Team Penn on Season 19 The Ultimate Fighter.  After filming and returning home his hip popped out several times and pain began on the other side. He has struggled and lived with the pain for well over a year and became sick a couple weeks ago. He was taken to hospital where a doctor checked him out and had to stay for four days on antibiotics, when released he went to see hip doctor again and scheduled to have surgery on March 9th, only to discover while open on operating table he was full of infection and very close to being septic and lucky to have caught this! He is currently hospitalized with a plastic hip until full surgery can be performed in April. Mark currently has no income. His insurance is about to end, and we are currently looking into disability. I am looking to raise funds to help his cost of living, doctor bills, medication, and make up what he will lose in the next few months in appearances he will miss. Anything will help and thank you dearly! God Bless!

Coleman is 1 of the greatest people I've met on my MMA journey & a legend of the sport. Get well soon @HammerHouseMMA pic.twitter.com/nO3jN2I5h9 — Cathal Pendred (@PendredMMA) March 11, 2015

Hat-tip to Sherdog Post by Wes Sims.