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Former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman died at 44 years old.

Via his Facebook page his family stated “Behind the name was a gentle soul & loyal friend whom will be missed by many who loved him beyond the cage.”

According to Damon Martin of Fox Sports, Randleman was admitted to a San Diego hospital with pneumonia and eventually died as a result of heart failure.

Siner his UFC beginnings in 1999 he made his mark on the industry. After just three fights, he was the heavyweight champion, beating Pete Williams to take the vacant belt. He would go on to defend the crown against Pedro Rizzo before relinquishing it to the great Randy Couture at UFC 28.

Randleman went on to fight for a number of different brands, including Pride and Strikeforce. His professional MMA record reads 17 wins and 16 defeats, with nine of his victories coming by knockout or submission. The last fight of his professional career came in 2011.

Check some of Randleman’s fight high lights below.