Sandusky grad Kevin Randleman — former OSU wrestler and UFC star — dead at age 44

Kevin Randleman, who gained national fame as an NCAA wrestler at Ohio State University as well as a Mixed Martial Arts champion, passed away Thursday evening at the age of 44. Randleman's sister confirmed his death on her Facebook page.It was reported by multiple sources Thursday that Randleman had been admitted to a hospital for pneumonia and died from heart failure.The 1989 Sandusky graduate started all four years on the Blue Streak football team, and went 122-11 as a wrestler for Sandusky, culminating in a Division I state championship in 1989.Randleman was also a three-time All-American while winning two national titles (1992-93) and finishing runner-up (1991) once. He was also a three-time Big Ten champion for the Buckeyes — and is one of 15 men associated with the wrestling program to be inducted into the OSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.Randleman is still in the top 10 in virtually every OSU category. In a story in the Register in March 2015 on his ties with Monroeville grad and former Buckeye standout Logan Stieber, Randleman couldn't hold back his love for the Buckeye community."When I think of Ohio State, I think of the greatest university in the world," Randleman said. "I met and am friends with some of the greatest people I've ever known while I was there. A black kid from Sandusky, Ohio, you just don't think you will get the opportunity to represent the school that in Ohio, is the only thing that walks."Making the most of his skill set after Ohio State, Randleman made his MMA debut in the fall of 1996.Three years later, by now nicknamed 'The Monster,' Randleman again reached the top of his sport by becoming the UFC heavyweight champion on Nov. 19, 1999.While fighting for UFC, PRIDE FC and Strikeforce, Randleman compiled a 17-16 record over 15 years. His last professional fight was in 2011.Most recently, Randleman was the co-founder of the non-profit Monster Wrestling Academy for youth wrestling, run out of Las Vegas.Ohio State wrestler Kevin Randleman, a Sandusky graduate, runs out onto the mat prior to his NCAA championship match in 1993. Randleman passed away Thursday evening.Ohio State's Kevin Randleman wrestles Nebraska's Corey Olson during the 177-pound Big Ten championship match in March of 1993. Randleman won the match, 5-2, for his second Big Ten title. The Sandusky graduate died suddenly Thursday night at the age of 44.Kevin Randleman takes a photo with longtime Sandusky Blue Streaks supporter Jackie Collins at an Ohio State wrestling match at St. John Arena in Columbus.Kevin Randleman at Sandusky football picture day in 1988. Randleman, a two-time NCAA champion at Ohio State and UFC heavyweight champion in MMA, died suddenly Thursday night at the age of 44. Kevin Randleman, a 1989 Sandusky graduate, as UFC heavyweight champion in this provided photo from 2000. Also a two-time NCAA champion at Ohio State, Randleman died suddenly Thursday at the age of 44.