By FCF Staff

One of MMA’s first great figures, and the pioneer of ground-and-pound has retired, as Mark Coleman has announced that he’s hanging up the gloves at the age of 48. The former UFC champ and PRIDE Grand-Prix winner made the announcement via his official Facebook page, citing a complete hip replacement he is about to undergo, as the determining factor in his decision.

The decorated wrestler and UFC Hall of Famer had not fought since February, 2010, when he was submitted by Randy Couture at UFC 109. Prior to the defeat Coleman had worked his way to a unanimous decision win over Stephan Bonnar at UFC 100 in July, 2009.

During his storied career the former NCAA Division 1 wrestling champion scored wins over veterans like Don Frye, Gary Goodridge, Igor Vovchanchyn, Kazuyuki Fujita and “Shogun” Rua.

Coleman leaves MMA with a professional record of 16-10.