Former UFC Champ Opens Up on Addiction: ‘Toughest Fight of My Life’

Ultimate Fighting Championship Hall of Famer Mark Coleman wants to help others dealing with substance abuse problems.

Coleman’s longtime friend, two-time UFC heavyweight tournament winner Mark Kerr, was recently inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Expressing his joy about Kerr’s induction, Coleman revealed that they have helped each other battle their alcohol addictions. Coleman said that Kerr has been sober for eight years and inspired him to get sober as well.

“Mark Kerr in Hall of Fame, I love it,” Coleman told MMA Fighting on Friday. “I love this guy. I’m so happy for the way things are coming together for him. Because we’re sober brothers. He’s got like eight years almost and he inspired me to get sober as well. We fed off each other a little bit. He deserves it and I couldn’t be more happy for this guy. Good friend of mine.”

The Smashing Machine and The Hammer Smashing Demons Together

A biopic, “The Smashing Machine,” based on Kerr’s life, is set to be released this October. While Kerr will be portrayed by Dwayne Johnson, former UFC fighter Ryan Bader will play Coleman’s character. Coleman loves the fame it’ll give him, as it provides him with a platform to help people get sober. Coleman had to go through rehab to deal with addiction, which the former UFC heavyweight champ considers more difficult to overcome than any of his past obstacles.

“I appreciate the fame because it gives me a platform to help people in getting sober. That’s what I’m here for,” Coleman said in a message to fans. “God took away my obsession to drink. He guides me now. I’m here to try and help people get sober. And trust me, it’s the toughest fight of my life…You gotta get in there, you gotta get help. And you gotta do it now, because tomorrow might not come. So, put the bottle down, get up off the couch, get some exercise in. But first get sober, I can do anything if I just stay sober.”