Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Kevin Randleman Dead At 44 Years Old

By Sean Ross Sapp

Unfortunate and tragic news out of the MMA world tonight, as former UFC Heavyweight Champion Kevin Randleman has died at only 44 years old. Bleacher Report's Jeremy Botter confirmed the reports on Twitter.

According to Botter, Randleman had been in the hospital battling pneumonia before suffering heart failure.

The 17-6 Randleman was a prominent figure in MMA for years, capturing the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 23 with a unanimous decision victory over Pete Williams. He'd successfully defend the title against Pedro Rizzo at UFC 26 before losing to eventual UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture at UFC 28.

Randleman didn't gain the majority of his fame in the U.S. or the UFC however, or even in winning fights for that matter. Randleman became a mainstay of Japan's PRIDE FC, having a memorable war with Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Randleman also nearly scored an upset win over juggernaut Fedor Emelianenko, landing a sick suplex on Fedor, before being submitted moments later.

Randleman's most memorable win came against Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic, which is still considered one of the most impressive knockouts of all time. Randleman relentlessly hammer fisted CroCops face from the guard for the victory. Randleman would go 1-8 in his last nine bouts with PRIDE.

Randleman last fought in 2011, in a losing effort following major issues throughout his career such as drug test failures, kidney problems, and one of the nastiest staph infections ever seen in the sport.

The former UFC Champion was also active in Japanese pro wrestling from 2002-2007. He competed for HUSTLE, IGF, and Wrestle-1, often teaming with Mark Coleman. In 2009, Randleman actually challenged WWE Superstar Kofi Kingston to a "corner jumping contest."

WWE Smackdown announcer Mauro Ranallo called many of Randleman's fights and classic moments. He took to Twitter and also confirmed the news and offer his condolences.

Comments

Recommended