Former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman dead at 44

Former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman died Feb. 11 from heart failure. He was 44.

Randleman’s family issued a statement via social media Friday providing details of his death.

With saddened hearts, the Randleman family confirms the passing of Kevin "The Monster" Randleman. Behind the name, was a gentle soul and loyal friend whom will be missed by many who loved him beyond the cage. The Ohio State University, UFC, MMA, and Sandusky, Ohio communities share in the loss of Kevin's passing. While traveling on business, Kevin became ill and unexpectedly passed due to complications from pneumonia.

Kevin leaves behind a wife and four extraordinary children to share his legacy with the world who mourns his passing. Life without "The Monster" will never be the same. The family requests respect and privacy during this difficult time. Kevin's family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support.

After the news of his passing broke, UFC President Dana White took to Twitter to express his condolences as did many others in the MMA community.

I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of the legend Kevin Randleman. RIP Kevin “The Monster" Randleman pic.twitter.com/MTC4nFAF29

— Dana White (@danawhite) February 12, 2016

Randelmen was an inspiration to me and luckily I was able to be his friend as well. RIP https://t.co/ji7BVGmvcK

— Jake Shields (@jakeshieldsajj) February 12, 2016

Damn I cornered him this fight. Sad to hear the news. RIP my friend. #Repost @jakeshieldsajj… https://t.co/4tovHVvE8w

— Chuck Liddell (@ChuckLiddell) February 12, 2016

KEVIN Randleman- Such a great competitive spirt inside if an amazing athlete. He truly could do what ever he Believed he could do. #rip

— FRANK TRIGG (@FRANKTRIGG) February 12, 2016

Randleman won the UFC heavyweight title in 1999 and defended that title a year later against Randy Couture. He was a two-time NCAA wrestling champion at Ohio State and was inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame in 2004.