COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Mark “The Hammer” Coleman is nothing short of a pioneer when it comes to mixed martial arts in the United States.
The Ohio native set himself apart from others in multiple organizations, including PRIDE and UFC, with strong wrestling and aggressive ground-and-pound attacks.
Before entering the fight game, Coleman made a name for himself in Columbus, wrestling at Ohio State University.
Coleman's time in the ring is a key part of a new sports bio-drama called "The Smashing Machine,” starring Dwayne Johnson as mixed martial artist Mark Kerr, who is from Toledo and is a friend and workout partner of Coleman’s. Both men were there as the red carpet was rolled out for the Hollywood premiere.
It's the second time in six months that part of Coleman’s life is unfolding in a film.
Coleman is spending time this week with the rich and famous as his life as an MMA fighter hits the big screen.
“Man, it was so emotional for me to watch,” Coleman said. “I cried a bunch of times. I was so impressed with the Rock, he had to play my good friend Mark Kerr.”
In “The Smashing Machine,” Coleman is played by MMA fighter Ryan Bader.
“He looks a little bit like me, I guess,” Coleman said. “Not quite as ripped... I'm just kidding.”
Just months ago, Coleman shared a different story on screen: his account of surviving years of sexual assault by former Ohio State University doctor Richard Strauss is part of the HBO MAX documentary "Surviving Ohio State."
Coleman and teammate Mike DeSabato were the first to go public with the story that touched off a massive investigation and an eight-year legal battle. At first, no one believed this MMA champion could be a victim..
“Well, it was it was worse than that, because we got laughed at, me and Mike, laughed and we got called liars, money hungry,” Coleman said.
The sexual abuse at Ohio State is likely one reason Coleman shares another piece of history with Kerr – both battled MMA greats inside the ring and drugs and alcohol outside.
“You know, I got four and a half years sober,” Coleman said. “I found peace and God guides me. I just go with it. I accept things. It's, you know, I love Ohio State, but I'm very disappointed by the way they handled this whole situation. It's, to me, it's kind of embarrassing and I feel like they should be ashamed of themselves the way they've handled this whole thing. It's disappointing.”
“The Smashing Machine” premiered in Hollywood, but debuted at the Toronto Film Festival. “Surviving Ohio State” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York before premiering on HBO.
When asked if he was proud how where he is now in his life, Coleman said, “Yes, I'm very proud, and I'm also proud that I had courage to come out and start this whole thing. It took a lot of courage for me to do it. I'm glad I did now, because I get pleasure and knowing that I'm helping a lot of people, while I'm not ashamed of nothing.”
After his interview, in a message, Coleman said he is disappointed that Ohio State chose to bring back former president Gordon Gee, given he was in charge when, in Coleman’s words, “The university covered up the crimes of this evil doctor, and to add insult to injury,” he said “Gee and current president Ted Carter have said publicly they have not watched ‘Surviving Ohio State,’” which Coleman said is “embarrassing.”
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