Kevin Randleman

Kevin Randleman
Randleman in 2006
Born	(1971-08-10) August 10, 1971 Sandusky, Ohio, U.S.
Other names	The Monster
Nationality	American
Height	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight	205.5 lb (93 kg; 14 st 10 lb)
Division	Light Heavyweight Heavyweight
Reach	70 in (178 cm)
Fighting out of	Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
Team	Team Hammer House Xtreme Couture
Rank	Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Wrestling	NCAA Division I Wrestling
Years active	1996–2011 (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total	33
Wins	17
By knockout	5
By submission	4
By decision	8
Losses	16
By knockout	4
By submission	8
By decision	4
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: September 15, 2011 (2011-09-15)

Kevin Christopher Randleman (born August 10, 1971) is a retired American mixed martial arts fighter and a former UFC heavyweight champion. Randleman's background is in Collegiate wrestling. Randleman has competed in the heavyweight and light heavyweight classes, appearing in organizations including the UFC, Pride, WVR, and Strikeforce. He is known for his athleticism and explosive power. He was previously associated with Mark Coleman's Team Hammer House, but most recently began training at Randy Couture's gym in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Biography

Randleman is from Sandusky, Ohio and was one of 11 children. He grew up without a lot of money, and often got into street fights growing up. Randleman attended Sandusky High School, started all four years on the football team, ran track in which he qualified for the state finals, and had a 122-11 record while on the wrestling team, including winning the state championship in 1989. Randleman then went to wrestle Ohio State University. His redshirt freshman year he had a string of 42 victories and a first place finish in the Big Ten Tournament, earned All-American status, and dominated in the NCAA tournament, before losing in the tournament final. Randleman then went undefeated during his sophomore year, and won the NCAA tournament. Randleman again won the NCAA tournament in his junior year, despite having his jaw dislocated during the actual tournament. Despite having some of the most amazing three years in the history of collegiate wrestling, including owning the third best winning percentage in Ohio State wrestling history, Randleman became ineligible to wrestle his senior year because of academic issues.

After being offered a professional fight in Universal Value Tudo Fighting 4 by Mark Coleman, one of Randleman's coaches at Ohio State, Randleman accepted and made his MMA debut on October 22, 1996. Randleman was very impressive in his debut, winning the tournament which was three fights, including one against Dan Bobish. On March 3, 1997 at Universal Vale Tudo Fighting 6, he beat Ebenezer Fontes Braga and Mario Neto, but was handed his first loss by Carlos Barreto. Randleman believes there were shady circumstances in his fight with Barreto as he fought two other Brazilians that night who dragged the matches out by escaping the ring and hitting him from outside of the ring.

MMA career

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Randleman fought in the UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight divisions at UFC 19, UFC 20, UFC 23, UFC 26, UFC 28, UFC 31, UFC 35. Beating Maurice Smith to become a top contender, he fought Bas Rutten for the Heavyweight title, previously vacated by Randy Couture. Randleman lost via a decision to Rutten, as while Randleman maintained positional superiority with takedowns, it was judged that Rutten was the more active fighter with strikes. This fight became infamous due to Mark Coleman's instructions before the second overtime that Randleman "smear the blood" from the cut he had created above Rutten's nose into his eye, so his opponent couldn't see.

Randleman achieved his goal to become the UFC Heavyweight champion on November 19, 1999, beating Pete Williams at UFC 23 for the title (which was vacated upon Rutten's retirement), and successfully defended it against Pedro Rizzo at UFC 26. However, he later lost the title to Randy Couture at UFC 28. After losing the title, he moved down to light heavyweight, feeling it was a more natural weight for his body, but suffered a setback, losing to Chuck Liddell in his first fight at that weight before beating Renato "Babalu" Sobral in his final fight with the UFC.

Pride FC

In September 2002, Randleman made his debut in Pride FC, taking on Japanese wrestler Michiyoshi Ohara. Randleman acquired an easy victory, as Ohara appeared to have no intention of trying to fight Randleman right from the outset, and even tried to flee and grab the ropes several times in an attempt to avoid damage from Randleman. This match was panned by the audience and Randleman himself, who left the ring before being awarded his trophy, visibly angry.

Throughout the course of 2002, Randleman gained victories over Kenichi Yamamoto ( TKO by vicious knee strikes from north-south position) and Murilo "Ninja" Rua (TKO by cutting Rua with tremendeous counter left hook). This winning streak would eventually put him in the spot of contender for the Pride Middeweight (205 lb) championship, held by Wanderlei Silva. At Pride 25 Randleman faced another Middleweight contender, fellow American wrestler Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, in a match that determined the number one contender for Silva's belt. In the first round Randleman suffered his first loss in Pride, after an incredible knee-uppercut combination from Jackson knocked Randleman down. The Referee stopped the fight after Rampage got dominant position and began landing strikes on Randleman.

Following a submission loss to Kazushi Sakuraba in 2003, Randleman became one of the sixteen participants in the Pride 2004 Heavyweight tournament, alongside teammate Mark Coleman. His first round match up at Pride Total Elimination 2004 was against former K-1 kickboxer Mirko Cro Cop Filipović, a participant heavily favored to win the entire tournament. Randleman knocked out "Cro Cop" by ground and pound following a left hook that surprised and knocked him down. In the second round, at Pride Critical Countdown 2004, Randleman faced off against the reigning Heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko. Again a heavy underdog, in a short bout he managed to suplex Fedor onto his head, landing in north south position. This maneuver failed to damage Fedor, who quickly capitalized on Randleman's characteristic failure to inflict damage upon opponents from a dominant position by reversing him and submitting him with a kimura, thereby eliminating him from the tournament.

With his tournament journey over, Randleman went on to square off against friend and fellow American wrestler Ron Waterman at Pride Final Conflict 2004, submitting to a keylock in the first round. Randleman picked up and slammed much bigger (6'2 and 280 pounds) Waterman, was ahead on scorecards but made one mistake and lost by Americana (Ude-garami). At Pride Shockwave 2004 Randleman offered a rematch to Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipović. Filipovic submitted Randleman in the first round via guillotine choke, avenging his loss and adding another loss to Randleman's losing streak in the process. In the opening round of Pride's 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix, Kevin Randleman lost to Kazuhiro Nakamura via decision. In November 2005, Randleman appeared in Bushido Europe-Rotterdam Rumble, Europe's first Bushido event, and defeated Fatih Kocamis via decision, ending his losing streak, and giving him his first win in nearly a year.

Randleman was taken ill with a serious fungal lung infection after his Rotterdam bout that had unknowingly been present for sometime. He underwent a successful surgery to have the infection removed. After recovering, he was scheduled to fight against Vitor Belfort at a Strikeforce event in San Jose, California on June 9, 2006, but was unable to, due to a recurrence of the infection (Belfort instead fought, and lost to, Alistair Overeem, by unanimous decision).^{[citation needed]}

Kevin Randleman returned to Pride FC for their first show on American soil, Pride 32: The Real Deal on October 21, 2006, where he was quickly submitted by a kneebar in the first round by 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. This match-up was made partly to capitalize on an incident where Mark Coleman fought Rua and broke his arm with a trip takedown. After the referee stopped the fight, a brawl ensued. Chute Boxe and Hammer House members then entered the ring, clashing verbally and physically, creating bad blood between the two teams.

World Victory Road: Sengoku

After 1 year and 7 months of lay off due to kidney problems, a terrible staph infection, and suspension, Randleman came back with a unanimous decision over Ryo Kawamura at May 18, 2008 in Sengoku 2.

Randleman's next fight was scheduled to be on June 21, 2008 versus Jeff Monson at the Godz of War; however Randleman injured his shoulder while training. Ricco Rodriguez replaced him and fought Monson, losing a unanimous decision.

Randleman said that he would fight at Sengoku VI in November, but did not. Later, he explained that he injured his shoulder very seriously in his comeback fight vs Ryo Kawamura, so he took a long rest.

On November 7, 2009, Randleman fought Bulgarian prospect Stanislav Nedkov. Randleman started the fight with a good left leg kick and takedown. He used elevators and reversals to avoid damage from Nedkov, when Nedkov made few takedowns. In the 3rd round Randleman repeated his strong left leg kick and used his new blue belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills to avoid bottom positions and back immediately to the top positions on the ground. After 3 rounds the judges rendered a controversial split decision, with 1 judge for Randleman and 2 judges for Nedkov.

Strikeforce

At the Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz press conference it was announced that he had finalised the signing of a contract with Strikeforce.

Randleman's Strikeforce debut was on June 6 against journeyman and IFL standout Mike Whitehead at Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields. Randleman looked to grapple immediately in the fight, whilst Whitehead controlled the fight on the feet. Whitehead won the first 2 rounds using takedowns but Randleman employed the use of reversals very competently to avoid significant damage. In the 3rd round Randleman, having seemingly lost the previous, he threw caution to the wind and loosened his arms, becoming reckless with his strikes, but knocking his opponent down with a left hook to the chin. Randleman charged in to finish Whitehead and landed a few shots to Mike's head, but was unable to capitalize effectively on the knockdown. All 3 judges scored the bout (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) in favor of Mike Whitehead.

Randleman lost to Strikeforce newcomer Roger Gracie via a rear-naked choke in the second round of their light-heavyweight bout on May 15, 2010 at Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery. He lost 10 out of his last 13 fights. Following the loss to Baga Agaev, Randleman had decided to retire.^{[citation needed]}

Controversy, illness and suspension from fighting

After the bout with Rua, Randleman failed a drug test administered by the Nevada Athletic Commission. Randleman submitted a urine sample lacking any hormones to the Nevada State Athletic Commission. This indicated that the sample was fake. On January 19, 2007, Randleman was hospitalized due to serious damage to his kidneys. In an interview with MMAWeekly, he stated he failed to submit a urine sample due to his use of painkillers and antibiotics after his previous surgeries that may have prevented him from being cleared to fight, and his current health issues were a result of the cumulative effects of his surgeries, medication and fighting on his body.

The Nevada Athletic Commission met on February 16, 2007 to discuss the fake sample and revoked Randleman's license to fight. He was able to reapply for a license after October 21, 2007, a year from the date of his loss to Mauricio Rua.

DUI Arrest

On August 16, 2007, Randleman was arrested in Goodsprings, Nevada, a small community in the desert south of Las Vegas, on a variety of charges, including drunk driving, following an apparent traffic stop.

Professional wrestling career

Randleman has had several professional wrestling matches, his first in January 2004 for HUSTLE. In February 2009, Randleman made a challenge to WWE pro-wrestler Kofi Kingston on a St. Louis FOX Sports MMA show called Absolute Wrestling Radio!

Personal life

Kevin married college sweetheart Barbara on August 28, 2000. After hardships, they divorced on May 26, 2005. Kevin married his longtime girlfriend and publicist, the former Elizabeth Broglia on April 25, 2009. He had two children with Barbara, Calvin and Jasmine Capri. His son Calvin graduated from Huron High School, helping lead the football team to the state regional finals.^{[citation needed]} Calvin played football at the Ashland University for two years out of Huron High school before taking his skills to the Division I level by transferring to UNLV. He also has one child from his second marriage, Santino.

Championships and Accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • UFC Heavyweight Championship (One Time)
  • One successful title defense

• Universal Vale Tudo Fighting
  • UVTF 4 Tournament Champion
  • UVTF 6 Tournament finalist

• Fight Matrix
  • Knockout of the Year (2004) vs. Mirko CroCop on April 25

• FIGHT! Magazine
  • Knockout of the Year (2004) vs. Mirko CroCop on April 25

• MMA Fighting
  • Most Lopsided Upset of the Year (2004)

Amateur wrestling

• NCAA Division I finalist (1991)
• NCAA Division I Championship (2 Times – 1992 & 1993)

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
33 matches	17 wins	16 losses
By knockout	5	4
By submission	4	8
By decision	8	4

Res.	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Loss	17–16	Baga Agaev	Submission (reverse armbar)	Pro FC: Randleman vs. Agaev	02011-05-07May 7, 2011	1	4:05	Khabarovsk, Russia	Retired after fight
Loss	17–15	Roger Gracie	Submission (rear naked choke)	Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery	02010-05-15May 15, 2010	2	4:10	St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Loss	17–14	Stanislav Nedkov	Decision (split)	World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 11	02009-11-07November 7, 2009	3	5:00	Tokyo, Japan
Loss	17–13	Mike Whitehead	Decision (unanimous)	Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields	02009-06-06June 6, 2009	3	5:00	St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Win	17–12	Ryo Kawamura	Decision (unanimous)	World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 2	02008-05-18May 18, 2008	3	5:00	Tokyo, Japan
Loss	16–12	Maurício Rua	Submission (kneebar)	Pride 32	02006-10-21October 21, 2006	1	2:35	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States	Suspended following post-fight drug test
Win	16–11	Fatih Kocamis	Decision (unanimous)	Bushido Europe-Rotterdam Rumble	02005-10-09October 9, 2005	2	5:00	Rotterdam, Netherlands
Loss	15–11	Kazuhiro Nakamura	Decision (unanimous)	Pride Total Elimination 2005	02005-04-23April 23, 2005	3	5:00	Osaka, Japan	PRIDE 2005 Middleweight GP Opening Round. Return to Light Heavyweight
Loss	15–10	Mirko Filipović	Submission (guillotine choke)	Pride Shockwave 2004	02004-12-31December 31, 2004	1	0:42	Saitama, Japan
Loss	15–9	Ron Waterman	Submission (keylock)	Pride Final Conflict 2004	02004-08-15August 15, 2004	1	7:44	Saitama, Japan
Loss	15–8	Fedor Emelianenko	Submission (kimura)	Pride Critical Countdown 2004	02004-06-20June 20, 2004	1	1:33	Saitama, Japan	PRIDE 2004 Heavyweight GP Quarterfinal
Win	15–7	Mirko Filipović	KO (punches)	Pride Total Elimination 2004	02004-04-25April 25, 2004	1	1:57	Saitama, Japan	PRIDE 2004 Heavyweight GP Opening Round; 'Upset of the Year' by many MMA publications.
Loss	14–7	Kazushi Sakuraba	Submission (armbar)	Pride Final Conflict 2003	02003-11-09November 9, 2003	3	2:36	Tokyo, Japan
Loss	14–6	Quinton Jackson	KO (knee and punches)	Pride 25	02003-03-16March 16, 2003	1	6:58	Yokohama, Japan	PRIDE Middleweight title elimination
Win	14–5	Murilo Rua	TKO (cut)	Pride 24	02002-12-23December 23, 2002	3	0:20	Fukuoka, Japan
Win	13–5	Kenichi Yamamoto	TKO (knees)	Pride 23	02002-11-24November 24, 2002	3	1:16	Tokyo, Japan
Win	12–5	Michiyoshi Ohara	Decision (unanimous)	Pride 22	02002-09-29September 29, 2002	3	5:00	Nagoya, Japan
Win	11–5	Brian Foster	KO (punch)	RFC: The Beginning	02002-07-13July 13, 2002	1	0:20	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	10–5	Renato Sobral	Decision (unanimous)	UFC 35	02002-01-11January 11, 2002	3	5:00	Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Loss	9–5	Chuck Liddell	KO (punches)	UFC 31	02001-05-04May 4, 2001	1	1:18	Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States	Light Heavyweight bout
Loss	9–4	Randy Couture	TKO (strikes)	UFC 28	02000-11-17November 17, 2000	3	4:13	Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States	Lost UFC Heavyweight Championship
Win	9–3	Pedro Rizzo	Decision (unanimous)	UFC 26	02000-06-09June 9, 2000	5	5:00	Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States	Defended UFC Heavyweight Championship
Win	8–3	Pete Williams	Decision (unanimous)	UFC 23	01999-11-19November 19, 1999	5	5:00	Urayasu, Japan	Won Vacant UFC Heavyweight Championship
Loss	7–3	Bas Rutten	Decision (split)	UFC 20	01999-05-07May 7, 1999	1	21:00	Birmingham, Alabama, United States	For Vacant UFC Heavyweight Championship
Win	7–2	Maurice Smith	Decision (unanimous)	UFC 19	01999-03-05March 5, 1999	1	15:00	Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, United States
Loss	6–2	Tom Erikson	KO (punches)	Brazil Open-'97	01997-06-15June 15, 1997	1	1:11	Brazil
Win	6–1	Gustavo Homem de Neve	Submission (elbow)	Brazil Open-'97	01997-06-15June 15, 1997	1	2:21	Brazil
Loss	5–1	Carlos Barreto	Submission (triangle choke)	Universal Vale Tudo Fighting 6	01997-03-03March 3, 1997	1	22:24	Brazil
Win	5–0	Mário Neto	Submission (punches)	Universal Vale Tudo Fighting 6	01997-03-03March 3, 1997	1	11:24	Brazil
Win	4–0	Ebenezer Fontes Braga	Decision	Universal Vale Tudo Fighting 6	01997-03-03March 3, 1997	1	20:00	Brazil
Win	3–0	Dan Bobish	Submission (punches)	Universal Vale Tudo Fighting 4	01996-10-22October 22, 1996	1	5:50	Brazil	Won UVTF 4 Tournament
Win	2–0	Geza Kalman	TKO (punches)	Universal Vale Tudo Fighting 4	01996-10-22October 22, 1996	1	7:37	Brazil
Win	1–0	Luiz Carlos Macial	Submission (punches)	Universal Vale Tudo Fighting 4	01996-10-22October 22, 1996	1	5:14	Brazil

External links

• Professional MMA record for Kevin Randleman from Sherdog
• Official website for Kevin Randleman
• Kevin Randleman at Wrestlinghalloffame.com
• August 2007 interview
• January 2009 Interview
• 9, 2009T22_16_34-08_00 January 2009 Interview with AWR

Vacant Title last held by Bas Rutten

5th UFC Heavyweight Champion November 14, 1999 – November 17, 2000

Succeeded by Randy Couture