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.
Perhaps 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 now have to grasp that how college students spend their time at school and school can affect their future, and rising up in a spot the place wrestling is essential, it isn’t shocking 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. Through the years, 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.
Prime 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 are able to say that each one of them are making Ohio proud. Let’s speak extra about every of them and possibly discover out why fighters from Ohio stand out within the MMA.
Stipe Miocic
Right here we’ve got the MMA King, and positively one of the well-liked MMA fighters who comes from Ohio. Miocic, Cleveland’s personal, is usually hailed as one of many best heavyweight fighters within the UFC.
We’re speaking a couple of 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 type, paired with wrestling chops from Cleveland State College. He’s highly effective, agile, and really proficient. That’s why he turned a real nightmare for opponents like Daniel Cormier and Francis Ngannou.
All through his profession, we are able to 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, changing into the UFC’s first heavyweight champion in 1997 with a 6-0 begin.
A 1992 Olympian in wrestling, Coleman’s smothering prime sport overwhelmed foes like Dan Severn, incomes him a 16-10 profession document. His 2000 Satisfaction FC Grand Prix win in Japan made him a worldwide icon.
Regardless of later losses, his affect reshaped MMA, inspiring fighters to mix wrestling with putting. Right this moment, 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 trainer 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 in opposition to legends like Wanderlei Silva, and his 14 UFC knockouts rank him amongst Ohio’s elite. It’s protected to say that his work as a ONE Championship government retains him within the sport. 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 drive 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 Satisfaction FC profession.
Randleman’s 2000 UFC heavyweight title win over Pete Williams, with explosive takedowns and harsh floor strikes, marked his peak. His 1999 upset of Mirko Cro Cop in Satisfaction shocked 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 type. For Hudson Valley viewers, Randleman’s legacy is a reminder of Ohio’s early MMA dominance, mixing wrestling with wild knockouts.
We should always all discuss these fallen titans, proper? That approach, their identify will endlessly dwell 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 essentially the most knockouts in UFC historical past (13), and that’s one thing not many fighters can say.
His come-forward type, mixing elbows and knees, led to classics like his 2014 conflict with Robbie Lawler. Brown’s resilience—surviving near-knockouts to rally again—earned him fan love.
Coaching in Columbus, he honed a rugged sport 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. Perhaps the combating tradition and wrestling from a younger age produce many new fighters yearly.
