UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman retires ahead of total hip replacement surgery

While Mark Coleman was unable to enjoy the popularity boom of mixed martial arts (MMA) in recent years, there is no denying he is one of the baddest mofos to compete in the early days of combat sports.

The 48-year-old "Hammer" was the first-ever UFC Heavyweight Champion, as well as the 2000 PRIDE Fighting Championship Open Weight Grand Prix Champion. There is a reason the UFC Hall-of-Famer is known as "The Godfather of Ground-and-Pound."

But it seems that time has not, in fact, healed all wounds, according to Coleman's Facebook page.

Total Hip replacement next Monday.ouch the hammer is done fighting.i know been done. Just looking for some prayors. i thank everyone who will help me get through this.hav to pay to play sometimes. only regret is could hav worked harder.love you all live your dream.

Coleman (16-10) finished his career in the same place it began, inside the Octagon, losing by way of submission to fellow elder statesman Randy Couture at UFC 109 back in early 2010. The former Olympic wrestler holds wins over Mauricio Rua, Stephan Bonnar and Igor Vovchanchyn, just to name a few.

Farewell, Mr. Hammer, thanks for the memories.