Former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman reportedly dead at 44

Kevin Randleman

Kevin Randleman, former UFC heavyweight champion and PRIDE competitor, has reportedly died at the age of 44.

Following rumors that Randleman had passed away, Bleacher Report’s Jeremy Botter confirmed the news on Twitter. According to Botter, Randleman went to the hospital with pneumonia before suffering heart failure.

Randleman (17-16) was an imposing figure in the cage with a muscular physique and hair that was often dyed platinum blonde. He debuted in the UFC’s trademark octagon with a “Road to the Heavyweight Title” tournament victory over former heavyweight champion Maurice Smith, but fell to Bas Rutten in the finals at UFC 20. The loss to Rutten stood out as one of the most controversial decisions in early UFC history.

One fight later, at UFC 23, Randleman won the vacant title, beating Pete Williams by unanimous decision. 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 successfully defended the title against Pedro Rizzo, but lost the belt to Randy Couture at UFC 28. After mixed results in his following UFC bouts, he found his way to Japan and the fabled PRIDE organization.

A three-fight winning streak in the PRIDE ring would mark the last time Randleman found consistent success as a fighter. But, the veteran had a few classic moments left in him.

Coming into a fight with Mirko Filipovic in the first round of the PRIDE 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix, many expected a trademark “Cro Cop” head kick to fell “The Monster.” Instead, Randleman landed a bomb of a left that dropped Filipovic and left him open to fight-ending ground and pound.

He went on to face the legendary Fedor Emelianenko in the next round and pulled off a massive suplex that dropped the champion on the back of his head and neck. Emelianenko recovered and won the fight, but the suplex will live on in highlight reels forever.

Randleman went 3-11 from 2004 until retiring in 2011.

He leaves behind a wife and three children.