MMA Legend Kevin Randleman Has Passed Away At The Age Of 44

Fox Sports reported earlier today that a source told them that Randleman was being treated for pneumonia in hospital and passed away late Thursday due to heart failure. He left behind three children.

The Former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman has died at age 44.

Randleman made a triumphant Octagon debut in March 1999 by routing Maurice Smith via unanimous decision as part of the “Road to the Heavyweight Title” tournament, but he controversially yielded to Bas Rutten in the finals two months later. 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. The win was important to Randleman on more than one level, as Williams had famously knocked out his close friend and Team Hammer House mentor Mark Coleman, one of Randleman’s coaches while a wrestler at Ohio State University.

Randleman eventually transitioned to Pride Fighting Championships in Japan and had some legendary fights with the likes of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Kazushi Sakuraba, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, Fedor Emelianenko, and more.

“I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of the legend Kevin Randleman”, UFC President Dana White wrote on Instagram after hearing the news.

Ross launched the fightofthenight.com site in 2009 as a way to channel his passion for the sport of mixed martial arts.

In addition to competing for the UFC, Randleman fought for Pride FC, Strikeforce, Sengoku among many other organizations.

In his June 2004 fight versus Emelianenko, Randleman notably pulled off a highlight-reel suplex that dropped the Russian heavyweight champion on the back of his head and neck.