Kevin Randleman, a true pioneer of mixed martial arts, died Thursday at the age of 44.
The former UFC heavyweight champion’s family confirmed the news.
“With saddened hearts, the Randleman family confirms the passing of Kevin ‘The Monster’ Randleman,” a statement read. “While traveling on business, Kevin became ill un-expectedly and passed due to complications from pneumonia.”
Following a successful college wrestling career at Ohio State, Randleman made his MMA debut in 1996. In 1999, he made his Octagon debut and three fights into his UFC career became heavyweight champion when he beat Pete Williams at UFC 26.
Throughout his illustrious career he competed fought the likes of former UFC champions Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Bas Rutten, Pedro Rizzo, Maurice Smith, plus MMA legends Fedor Emelianenko, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic and Kazushi Sakuraba.
While he made a name for himself in the UFC, he was also one of the biggest stars in the defunct Japanese promotion Pride Fighting Championships. His slam of Fedor at Pride Critical Countdown 2004 remains one of the most iconic visuals in the sport’s history.
In addition to having success in the cage and the ring, he was a fan favourite and well respected by his peers.
The MMA community mourned his death and sent condolences on social media.
(Former UFC fighter Emanuel Yarbrough died at age 51 in December)
