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Former UFC champion Kevin Randleman dies at 44

Gabe Ginsberg / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty

Kevin Randleman, a former UFC heavyweight champion and two-time NCAA champion wrestler, died Thursday at the age of 44.

Randleman reportedly died from heart failure after being admitted to hospital with pneumonia, according to Jeremy Botter of Bleacher Report.

Randleman was considered an MMA pioneer, making his UFC debut in 1999 and capturing the heavyweight championship three fights later.

UFC president Dana White tweeted his condolences upon hearing of Randleman's passing and included a video of his famous slam of Fedor Emelianenko:

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