Former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman has died at 44 years old, it was confirmed on Friday.
News of his passing came from his family in a statement on Randleman’s Facebook page. “With saddened hearts, the Randleman family confirms the passing of Kevin 'The Monster' Randleman,” read a section. “Behind the name, was a gentle soul & loyal friend whom will be missed by many who loved him beyond the cage.”
UFC President Dana White also confirmed the news on his Twitter feed, posting the following clip in tribute to the fighter:
According to Damon Martin of Fox Sports, Randleman was admitted to a San Diego hospital with pneumonia and eventually died as a result of heart failure.
Former UFC fighter Jake Shields paid tribute to the impact The Monster had on his own MMA career, hailing him as an inspirational figure:
Randleman's maiden appearance in the UFC came in 1999, and he made his mark on the company almost instantly. After just three fights, he was the heavyweight champion, beating Pete Williams to take the vacant belt. He would go on to defend the crown against Pedro Rizzo before relinquishing it to the great Randy Couture at UFC 28.
Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Snowden remembers Randleman performing superbly in that fight despite eventually falling short:
He went on to fight for a number of different brands, including Pride and Strikeforce. His professional MMA record reads 17 wins and 16 defeats, with nine of his victories coming by knockout or submission. The last fight of his career, which was a loss to Baga Agaev, came in 2011.
As fellow ex-fighter Jens Pulver noted, Randleman’s involvement in MMA and the UFC helped the brand become what it is today:
Prior to his days in the professional game, Randleman was also excellent in NCAA wrestling, winning two championships and being named an All-American on three separate occasions.
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