CLEVELAND, Ohio – Kevin Randleman was known as "The Monster,'' but to those who remember him best, and even one of his vanquished opponents, he was far from a monster away from his UFC and Ohio State stardom.
"They saw that monster, but he had empathy and respect for people,'' said Bill Splete, a former Ohio high school state wrestling champion. "I think he was somewhat of a gentle person inside.''
Randleman, a two-time NCAA champion at Ohio State and a former UFC heavyweight champion, died Thursday. According to a statement released by his family, Randleman was away on business when he was hospitalized and died unexpectedly of complications from pneumonia.