Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Kevin Randleman will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The news was confirmed at UFC Fight Night 172 that the heavyweight will be joining the pioneer wing alongside Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, former multi-time heavyweight champion Randy Couture, and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell.
Randleman made his professional fighting debut in 1996; however, the Ohio native made his UFC debut in 1997. Following his victory over Maurice Smith at UFC 19, Randleman fought UFC Hall of Famer Bas Rutten for the 235-pound belt. Randleman would ultimately lose the contest via split decision; however, the heavyweight rebounded quickly by capturing the title at UFC 23.
Randleman successfully defended the belt against Pedro Rizzo at UFC 26; however, Randy Couture would beat him via TKO at UFC 28 to become the new heavyweight champion. Randleman’s tenure with the UFC didn’t last long following his devastating loss, with the heavyweight losing to Chuck Liddell next. The former UFC Heavyweight Champion’s final fight against Renato Sobral resulted in a unanimous decision win.
Following his exit from the promotion, Randleman mainly competed in PRIDE Fighting Championships and Strikeforce. The MMA veteran had classic matches against names such as Quinton Jackson (PRIDE 25), Mirko Cro Cop (PRIDE Total Elimination 2004), and Maurício Rua (Pride 32 - The Real Deal). Tragically, Randleman passed away in February 2016 because of a heart attack.