Mixed Martial Arts legend Kevin Randleman has died aged 44

Former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman has died "unexpectedly".

A statement has appeared on the star's Facebook page explaining the 44-year-old "passed due to complications from pneumonia".

Nicknamed The Monster, Randleman has been called an early pioneer of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and mixed martial arts.

Stars from the sport, including former champion Dan Henderson, called Randleman a "legend".

He was the ultimate fighting heavyweight champion of the world between 2000-2001 but last fought professionally in 2011.

The statement, released early on Friday morning, said he'd recently been battling pneumonia.

He leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth, and three children.

Fans site MMA Fighting said Randleman was "blessed with tremendous physical gifts" and will be best remembered for his four-year stint under the Pride Fighting Championships banner, "in particular his ferocious run in the 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix".

The mixed martial arts community has taken to social media to pay tribute.

Six time UFC champion Randy Couture said the "sun had set" on his friendship with Randleman.

Two-time Olympic wrestler and UFC fighter Dan Henderson said he was truly saddened by Kevin's death.

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