Many Ohio fighters left their mark on MMA, that’s for certain. There’s something about Ohio that produces nice fighters in numerous sports activities.
Possibly it’s the state’s wrestling tradition, which is deeply rooted in excessive colleges and schools, that lays a basis for future fighters who transition to the cage. We’ve to know that how college students spend their time in class and school can impression their future, and rising up in a spot the place wrestling is essential, it isn’t stunning that we discover many fighters in Ohio.
Some develop as much as be boxers, others proceed wrestling, and courageous ones flip to the cages of MMA. Over time, we’ve seen many profitable MMA fighters from Ohio who managed to construct a powerful profession on this sport.
That are they? Let’s discover out.
High MMA Stars from Ohio
These Ohio-born fighters have left their mark on MMA, ranked by their achievements and affect:
Stipe Miocic
Mark Coleman
Wealthy Franklin
Kevin Randleman
Matt Brown
Every of those guys has their very own distinctive story, from title reigns to unforgettable fights, however we will say that each one of them are making Ohio proud. Let’s discuss extra about every of them and perhaps discover out why fighters from Ohio stand out within the MMA.
Stipe Miocic
Right here we now have the MMA King, and positively some of the in style MMA fighters who comes from Ohio. Miocic, Cleveland’s personal, is commonly hailed as one of many best heavyweight fighters within the UFC.
We’re speaking a few true beast, born in 1982, with a powerful 20-4 document, with two UFC heavyweight title reigns.
However what makes him particular? Properly, he has a boxing-heavy model, paired with wrestling chops from Cleveland State College. He’s highly effective, agile, and really gifted. That’s why he grew to become a real nightmare for opponents like Daniel Cormier and Francis Ngannou.
All through his profession, we will discover loads of spectacular moments and knockouts (just like the 2017 stoppage of Junior dos Santos). Moreover, he has by no means been knocked out chilly, which is unusual for a heavyweight UFC champion.
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Mark Coleman
Mark Coleman, from Fremont, Ohio, is the godfather of MMA’s ground-and-pound. Born in 1964, he pioneered the heavyweight division, turning into the UFC’s first heavyweight champion in 1997 with a 6-0 begin.
A 1992 Olympian in wrestling, Coleman’s smothering prime recreation overwhelmed foes like Dan Severn, incomes him a 16-10 profession document. His 2000 Delight FC Grand Prix win in Japan made him a world icon.
Regardless of later losses, his affect reshaped MMA, inspiring fighters to mix wrestling with placing. In the present day, Coleman’s UFC Corridor of Fame standing and Ohio roots preserve him revered, with followers calling him a “trailblazer.” His uncooked depth, like choking out Igor Vovchanchyn, makes him a legend for Ohio’s MMA trustworthy, from Columbus to the Hudson Valley.
Wealthy Franklin
Cincinnati’s Wealthy Franklin introduced brains and brawn to the UFC’s middleweight division. Born in 1974, this former math instructor turned fighter held the UFC middleweight title from 2005 to 2006, ending with a 29-7 document.
Recognized for his crisp kickboxing and relentless cardio, Franklin dismantled opponents like Evan Tanner with exact strikes. His trilogy with Anderson Silva, although a 1-2 loss, showcased his grit.
Franklin’s versatility shone in catchweight bouts towards legends like Wanderlei Silva, and his 14 UFC knockouts rank him amongst Ohio’s elite. It’s secure to say that his work as a ONE Championship government retains him within the recreation. Hudson Valley followers admire Franklin’s cerebral strategy, a nod to Ohio’s knack for producing well-rounded fighters.
Kevin Randleman
Hailing from Sandusky, Kevin Randleman was a power of nature in MMA’s early days. Born in 1971, this Ohio State wrestling standout turned his athleticism right into a 17-16 UFC and Delight FC profession.
Randleman’s 2000 UFC heavyweight title win over Pete Williams, with explosive takedowns and cruel floor strikes, marked his peak. His 1999 upset of Mirko Cro Cop in Delight surprised followers, showcasing his uncooked energy. Regardless of inconsistent outcomes, Randleman’s highlight-reel slams, like suplexing Fedor Emelianenko, stay iconic.
His 2016 passing was a loss, however in 2025, Ohio followers nonetheless rejoice his fearless model. For Hudson Valley viewers, Randleman’s legacy is a reminder of Ohio’s early MMA dominance, mixing wrestling with wild knockouts.
We must always all discuss these fallen titans, proper? That means, their title will eternally reside within the combating world.
Matt Brown
Matt Brown, born in Xenia in 1981, is Ohio’s “Immortal,” a UFC welterweight recognized for his relentless brawls. With a 24-19 document by his 2024 retirement, Brown is the second individual with probably the most knockouts in UFC historical past (13), and that’s one thing not many fighters can say.
His come-forward model, mixing elbows and knees, led to classics like his 2014 battle with Robbie Lawler. Brown’s resilience—surviving near-knockouts to rally again—earned him fan love.
Coaching in Columbus, he honed a rugged recreation that wore down foes like Tim Means. Hudson Valley MMA followers see Brown as Ohio’s embodiment of never-say-die spirit, his bloody battles a testomony to the state’s combating coronary heart.
So, Ohio has loads of fighters, that’s for certain. Possibly the combating tradition and wrestling from a younger age produce many new fighters yearly.
