Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Kevin Randleman passes away

The MMA world is sure to be shrouded in sadness after it emerged that former UFC Heavyweight Champion Kevin Randleman passed away at the age of 44 due to heart failure brought on by the bout of pneumonia he suffered.

Randleman, who boasts of a 17-6 record, dominated the MMA scene for years, announcing himself to the world with an unquestionable victory over Pete Williams – which one him the UFC 23.

The fighter maintained his grip on the prize at UFC 26 by defeating Pedro Rizzo before eventually conceding the title to UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture at UFC 28.

The 44-year-old had his finest hour against Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic, in a fight that’s gone down in history due to Kevin delivering one of the most important knockouts of all time. Randleman achieved the victory by continuously hammer fisting CroCops face from the guard until submission.

The Ohio-born wrestler fought his final match in 2011, with his skills having dulled by then due to issues plaguing his career that included drug test failures, kidney problems, and one of the worst staph infections MMA had ever seen.

Below are the tweets from UFC president Dana White and Smackdown announcer Mauro Ranallo, who had the honor of calling many of his fights:

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

I'm sitting here with @BasRuttenMMA & words can't convey the shock & sadness we feel at the passing of Kevin Randleman. DEVASTATED! #RIP

— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) February 12, 2016

Bas & I just heard from Kevin's wife. Taking the rest of the night off Twitter to mourn & celebrate the life of Kevin Randleman. #RIP

— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) February 12, 2016

From the Cro Cop KO to Fedor suplex, THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES! @themonstah_ #RIP

— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) February 12, 2016

Rest In Peace, Kevin.