The former UFC heavyweight champion was 44 years of age. The judge’s decision remains one of the most controversial decision in MMA history.
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According to Botter, Randleman had been in the hospital battling pneumonia before suffering heart failure.
The tragic news was confirmed by his family on his official Twitter page, stating that he’d unexpectedly passed away due to complications from pneumonia while away on a business trip. “The Beast” eventually made his way over to the UFC, debuting at UFC 19 as a entrant in the Road To The Heavyweight Title Tournament. After just two fights in the UFC, he had earned himself a shot at the heavyweight title, which he won against Pete Williams.
“The Monster”, as he was known, holds a win over Pedro Rizzo and also fought UFC Hall of Famers Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell, losing both fights by stoppage. After mixed results in his following UFC bouts, he found his way to Japan and the fabled PRIDE organization.
“The Monster” would struggle to rediscover that form in his remaining time with the PRIDE promotion, but would go on to fight for other promotions like Strikeforce and Sengoku later in his career before finally retiring in 2011. But, the veteran had a few classic moments left in him.
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.
Randleman hadn’t seen the bright lights since the mid-2000’s, but his impressive highlight slams and his shocking knockout of a prime Cro Cop in Pride still resonate with fans today.
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He is survived by his wife Elizabeth and three children.
