Kimbo Slice Dead at 42
Kimbo Slice – real name Kevin Ferguson – bursted onto the scene in 2003 as an internet sensation after videos of his street fights and unsanctioned bouts went viral in the early days of Youtube. Still, Slice’s domination over his opponents caught the eye of many and got him into the gym with some of MMA’s best.
It wasn’t until 2009 when Kimbo’s fame hit its peak. After a stint with the since defunct Elite XC fighting organization, Slice was granted an opportunity by a skeptical Dana White when he gave him a shot to compete in the UFC’s television show, ‘The Ultimate Fighter’. Despite being the second overall pick for Rampage Jackson’s team, in his first fight, Slice was knocked out by Roy Nelson courtesy of a second round knockout.
Slice did participate in “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights” Season 10 finale, a card highlighted by a bout between Jon ‘Bones’ Jones going up against Matt Hamill which resulted in a Bones disqualification due to a 12-6 elbow and Roy Nelson knocking out Brendan Schaub courtesy of a first round knockout.
Kimbo made his first and only UFC pay-per-view appearance at UFC 113 in a bout against Matt Mitrione, losing again courtesy of second round knockout. Slice was released shortly after.
His career eventually went to the Bellator MMA promotion and he’s been under their umbrella ever since. He’s fought Ken Shamrock and had a bout against DaDa 5000, his longtime rival from their days street fighting in Florida. Their bout happened in February of 2016 but Kimbo’s knockout victory was overturned after he tested positive for nandrolone.
Unfortunately, TMZ reported that Kimbo was hospitalized earlier today.
MMA fighter Kimbo Slice was hospitalized in Florida earlier Monday … and multiple sources tell TMZ Sports the situation does not look good.
Law enforcement sources tell us … Slice was admitted to a hospital near his home in Coral Springs, FL.
Police are currently at his home gathering information from family members.
Unconfirmed sources reported Slice was in the hospital due to a resperatory issue.
The first credible source to report Kimbo Slice has indeed died was his training team, American Top Team.
The ATT Family and South Florida community lost a legend today. RIP Kimbo. pic.twitter.com/sjs8ctyJMd
— American Top Team (@AmericanTopTeam) June 7, 2016
TMZ has followed up their report and confirms that Kimbo Slice has passed away.
Kimbo Slice has died … TMZ Sports has confirmed. He was 42.
…Slice was hospitalized early Monday near his home in Coral Springs, FL. He passed away a short time later.
The CEO of Bellator MMA confirmed the news … saying, “We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family.’
“One of the most popular MMA fighters ever, Kimbo was a charismatic, larger-than-life personality that transcended the sport.”
“Outside of the cage he was a friendly, gentle giant and a devoted family man. HIs loss leaves us all with extremely heavy hearts, and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ferguson family and all of Kimbo’s friends, fans and teammates.”
Rest in Peace to Kimbo Slice.
