Randleman-Monson Set for June Clash
Former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman (Pictures) will return to action for two
bouts in the coming months, the Columbus native confirmed Monday
morning to Sherdog.com.
In addition to a three-fight deal with Japanese upstart promotion World Victory Road, Randleman, 36, has penned a separate contract spanning three bouts with Global Fighting Championships.
Although his opponent for WVR's May 18 card in Japan is still undecided, Randleman confirmed that he will face former UFC heavyweight contender and grappling circuit standout Jeff Monson (Pictures) (24-7) on June 21 in Charlotte, N.C., for the GFC.
"I signed non-exclusive contracts with both companies, so you can expect to see a lot of Kevin Randleman (Pictures) in the next 20 months," revealed the wrestler. "I've been out of action for over a year, so I'm hungry to get back in there and climb up the rankings."
Monson, 37, is 2-2 in his last four bouts, with wins over Kazuyuki Fujita (Pictures) and Hakim Goram. A defeat at the hands of Tim Sylvia (Pictures) ended a 16-fight win streak at UFC 65 for the Washington native, who also dropped a hard-fought slugging match with Pedro Rizzo (Pictures) in September of last year.
Randleman last saw action in a submission loss to Mauricio Rua (Pictures) at Pride 32 in October 2006. The former Ohio State University wrestler had his mixed martial arts license revoked by the Nevada State Athletic Commission following the contest for allegedly submitting a urine sample lacking human hormones. Randleman, 16-12, blamed the failed test on health problems that affected his kidneys.
"My staph infection is gone and my shape is getting there," Randleman stated. "I plan on going before the commission in the next month and getting my license reinstated."
Randleman has been eligible to reapply with the NSAC since Oct. 21, 2007, a year after his bout with "Shogun."
In addition to a three-fight deal with Japanese upstart promotion World Victory Road, Randleman, 36, has penned a separate contract spanning three bouts with Global Fighting Championships.
Although his opponent for WVR's May 18 card in Japan is still undecided, Randleman confirmed that he will face former UFC heavyweight contender and grappling circuit standout Jeff Monson (Pictures) (24-7) on June 21 in Charlotte, N.C., for the GFC.
"I signed non-exclusive contracts with both companies, so you can expect to see a lot of Kevin Randleman (Pictures) in the next 20 months," revealed the wrestler. "I've been out of action for over a year, so I'm hungry to get back in there and climb up the rankings."
Monson, 37, is 2-2 in his last four bouts, with wins over Kazuyuki Fujita (Pictures) and Hakim Goram. A defeat at the hands of Tim Sylvia (Pictures) ended a 16-fight win streak at UFC 65 for the Washington native, who also dropped a hard-fought slugging match with Pedro Rizzo (Pictures) in September of last year.
Randleman last saw action in a submission loss to Mauricio Rua (Pictures) at Pride 32 in October 2006. The former Ohio State University wrestler had his mixed martial arts license revoked by the Nevada State Athletic Commission following the contest for allegedly submitting a urine sample lacking human hormones. Randleman, 16-12, blamed the failed test on health problems that affected his kidneys.
"My staph infection is gone and my shape is getting there," Randleman stated. "I plan on going before the commission in the next month and getting my license reinstated."
Randleman has been eligible to reapply with the NSAC since Oct. 21, 2007, a year after his bout with "Shogun."
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