Mark Coleman is a former heavyweight champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and is a member of the UFC hall of fame. A Fremont native, Coleman, 45, was a 1992 Olympian in freestyle wrestling and an NCAA wrestling champion at Ohio State. Coleman's professional fighting record dipped to 16-10 on Feb. 6 following a loss to Randy Couture at UFC 109 in Las Vegas.
1. What's next in your career?
It's a tough question to answer right now because UFC has asked me to retire. Retirement was the last thing on my mind win or lose, but it's something I have to consider. But I really have an itch to fight.
2. Did you feel offended when UFC asked you to retire?
It was very surprising — something that didn't cross my mind going into the fight. But I realize it's a business decision. I did not pull the trigger that night, so in some ways I feel responsible.
3. Were you confident in your fight preparation?
I kind of convinced myself I was prepared. In hindsight, I think I got outworked and out trained by Randy Couture. I was coming off of a knee injury and had about 55 days to train. I was trying to cram eight months of work into two months.
4. Has UFC's popularity peaked, or is there room for growth?
I don't think in any way, shape, or form has it peaked. Dana White will stop at nothing to make this the world's No. 1 sport.
5. What one matchup would you like to see take place?
The sport has come so far and there are so many amazing match ups. I'd like to see a ton, and they'll all take place because Dana White will make them happen.
6. Where does a fight between you and Tito Ortiz rank on that list?
A fight with Tito Ortiz, in itself, would keep me from retiring. If I get the opportunity, I want to fight Tito. I don't like him, he don't like me. It's that simple.
7. Should you decide to retire, where will you turn?
Offers will be there from other fight organizations. I have a lot of decisions to be made, but none of them need to be made today. I've been working for Cage Fighter/MMA Authentics the past four years and they've offered me a position.
8. What kind of position?
Basically, I've been their head spokesperson and they want to put me on payroll. I've been there since the beginning.
9. How is recovering from training different for you now than it was 10 or 15 years ago?
The difference is I am more aware and more concerned with injuries than I was when I was younger because I know they won't heal as fast.
10. Are you still close with Toledoan Mark Kerr?
Mark and I will always be friends. We call each other 3-4 times a year.
— Ryan Autullo
First Published February 21, 2010, 11:59 a.m.
