It’s been over a year since we last saw former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman in action. Following a non-exclusive 3 fight deal with Global Fighting Championships, Randleman has confirmed his first opponent will be Jeff Monson at GFC’s June 21st event in Charlotte F.C.

Kevin “The Monster” Randleman (16–12) is a UFC veteran with a background in Collegiate wrestling. The 36 year old from Columbus has faced some of the biggest names associated with the UFC and PRIDE, including Chuck Liddell, Pedro Rizzo, Quinton Jackson and Randy Couture. His last MMA bout was at PRIDE 32, a match-up against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua where Randleman lost in the first round via a knee bar submission. Randleman has also signed a 3 fight deal with yet another Japanese MMA start-up World Victory Road. With only 2 victories from his last 9 fights, and a year away from the sport, Randleman will be looking to reinstate himself as a top MMA heavyweight with a win over world renowned grappler, Jeff Monson.

Jeff “The Snowman” Monson (24–7) is an ADCC submission wrestling world champion and a BJJ black belt. Prior to leaving the UFC after a 5 round heavyweight championship match with Tim Silvia, Monson enjoyed a 16 fight winning streak, with 11 of the victories earned by the way of submission. Monson left the UFC in an effort to arrange a fight with top-ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, though unfortunately the fight was never organized.

This match is a difficult one to call. Will the submission talents of Monson see him through to yet another victory or will Randelman’s experience with headline grabbing fighters, coupled with his desire to rejoin the MMA scene, give him the edge? Roll on June 21st.

Tags: Jeff Monson, Kevin Randleman