“Yeah! Buddy!” may be Ronnie Coelman’s most famous quote, but there’s another lesser-known quote that defined his prime years. “Everybody wants to be a bodybuilder, but nobody wants to lift no heavy-a** weights,” Coleman said while describing the drive that led him to eight consecutive Mr. Olympia titles. Unfortunately, that dominance came at a brutal cost.

Over the years, Coleman has faced thirteen major surgeries, double hip replacements, and a fused spine that took away his ability to walk. Then, in June 2025, he faced a life-threatening case of sepsis. When Ronnie Coleman was admitted to the hospital, his family had no idea what was wrong with him until doctors finally delivered the diagnosis. Yet, just like his competitive years, determination drove The King to recover.

Ronnie Coleman continues to battle the aftermath of sepsis

Back in June, Coleman had to be rushed to surgery after the severe blood infection took hold. Yet, even in his most vulnerable state, the bodybuilding icon had a message for his fans. On June 30, he posted on social media, canceling his UK tour. Five months later, Ronnie Coleman appears to be in noticeably better condition, but his post-sepsis care is far from over.

On December 7, Coleman posted an update on Instagram after getting some specialist care. “I’m back out here in Puerto Vallarta after going through a real sepsis scare. It hit me harder than anything I expected. I came back to Regenamex to help with the inflammation and weakness that sepsis leaves behind and to keep my recovery moving the right way.” He wrote on Instagram.

It has been five months since Ronnie Coleman’s health scare, but the first symptom appeared earlier. Coleman experienced it during a seminar and fan meet-and-greet. He had flown into Milwaukee the night before for the event, but later said he could not remember much about his appearance. 

“That confusion thing. They said when I was on stage, I kept repeating sentences over and over. That’s one of the main ones. And being in that extreme pain,” said Coleman in an Interview. Recovery typically spans 8–12 months, and consistent medical care is essential to prevent long-term complications. So expect more visits to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. However, don't think that Ronnie Coleman is staying put otherwise.

The eight-time Mr. Olympia is already back on the road and is done with his Brazil tour. The former Arnold Classic champion commented on his experience of visiting Brazil on November 23. "I love you, Brazil! Thank you so much for all the love! Y’all are the best fans in the world! Yeah, Buddy!" Coleman commented on the Ronnie Coleman Brasil Instagram page. So while sepsis may have hit The King hard, it didn't dull his spirit.

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi