Mark Coleman is ‘The Godfather of Ground & Pound.’ UFC inducted the one-time UFC heavyweight champion to the 2008 Hall of Fame class in the pioneer wing. Despite his success in fighting, Coleman had problems with alcohol, and one time, it resulted in an altercation with Joe Rogan.
Coleman recently became a worldwide sensation after he saved his parents from a housefire. He almost died after he inhaled toxic amounts of smoke while he tried to save his dog hammer. Coleman recalled what transpired on the JAXXON podcast. He also recalled the altercation he had with Rogan.
It was after one of Joe’s [Rogan] comedy shows…I met him, gave him a little hug, but then we turned it into a little wrestling thing. He takes my back, and everybody thinks Joe let up because he had my back, but his face was in my lower back… But I just turned and faced him. I was clearing some space, he was off balance, so I chucked him into the wall…I felt bad. Yeah, I felt horrible.
Mark Coleman via the JAXXON podcast
Coleman revealed the UFC commentator had no qualms about the incident. He revealed Rogan had no clue about the strength he possessed. Furthermore, Coleman stated he would be on the Joe Rogan Experience soon.
Coleman recently attended UFC 300 with his daughters after fully recovering from his injuries. He did the honors of wrapping the BMF belt around Max Holloway for defeating Justin Gaethje. Holloway wanted Coleman to do the honors for his bravery, while Gaethje wanted anyone but Jorge Masvidal to do it.
Joe Rogan recalls his first interview with Mark Coleman
The UFC didn’t have the kind of success or popularity it has now at its inception. However, Joe Rogan was a big fan of the sport. He even defended the sport on his appearance on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and on ESPN.
Joe Rogan interviewed Mark Coleman at UFC 12 (Image via: IMAGO, X)Rogan worked as a backstage reporter for the show but left soon after. However, after Zuffa took over, he befriended Dana White and became a commentator, working on initial events for free. Interestingly, his first octagon interview was with Mark Coleman and Rogan recalled it on JRE.
The first champion
Though the UFC started in 1993 it was not until 1997 and UFC 12 that weight classes were introduced Mark Coleman would submit Dan Severn in 3 minutes to become the inaugural UFC Heavyweight champion. This was also the first appearance of Joe Rogan (pictured) pic.twitter.com/qncIECZNdl— The MMA Guy (@TheMMAGuy222) May 8, 2024
Rogan revealed to Theo Von, the podcast guest, that he was nervous before the interview. Coleman had just won the UFC heavyweight title, defeating Dan Severn via first-round submission. Rogan revealed Coleman had no clue who he was as he was not as popular back then. Nonetheless, he stated he asked respectful questions, and the interview was successful due to his preparation.
Rogan praised Coleman, citing his wrestling prowess and affinity with ground and pound, which made him a force to be reckoned with. Coleman also triumphed at Pride FC, winning the 2000 Openweight Grand Prix Tournament.
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