Kevin Randleman was one of MMA’s Incredible Hulks, so when he had died on Feb. 11 at the age of 44, it was a shock. The mixed martial arts community was quick to pour out its love for the man known as “The Monster.”
A two-time NCAA national champion wrestler at Ohio State University, Randleman touched off his mixed martial arts career in 1996 under the Universal Vale Tudo Fighting banner in Brazil. He competed in three vale tudo tournaments covering eight fights during the first eight months of his career. The Sandusky, Ohio, native made his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut in 1997 and claimed a unanimous decision over Maurice Smith at UFC 19.