Kimbo Slice dead, MMA fighter was 42
MMA Heavyweight Sensation Kimbo Slice is seen during the Workout/Media Day with Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano at the Legends Mixed Martial Arts Training Center on September 17, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. Credit: Getty Images/ Robert Laberge
Kimbo Slice, who brought his popularity from street fighting videos on YouTube to mixed martial arts, died Monday night in south Florida. Slice was 42.
“We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family,” Bellator president Scott Coker said in a statement released just after 11:30 p.m. Monday. “One of the most popular MMA fighters ever, Kimbo was a charismatic, larger-than-life personality that transcended the sport.”
American Top Team tweeted this message a few minutes before 11 p.m.: “The ATT Family and South Florida community lost a legend today. RIP Kimbo.”
Slice was taken to a hospital in Margate, Florida, near his home Monday, Coral Springs Police Sgt. Carla Kmiotek told The Associated Press.
Slice, who had six children, was scheduled to fight at Bellator 158 next month in London.
"Outside of the cage he was a friendly, gentle giant and a devoted family man," Coker said. "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."
Slice, who’s real name was Kevin Ferguson, was born in the Bahamas and grew up in the Miami area.
While working as a strip club bouncer and bodyguard, Slicebecame an Internet sensation when videos of him in bare-knuckle street fights regularly appeared and gained popularity in the early 2000s.
He later would parlay that fame into an MMA and boxing career, with stints in EliteXC, the UFC and Bellator.
In 2009, Slice was on “The Ultimate Fighter” and lost in the first round to Roy Nelson. The debut episode that season drew more than four million viewers, the show’s best ratings to that point.
That was the thing about Slice. He brought ratings. His presence on an EliteXC card helped get it on CBS. He was supposed to fight Ken Shamrock that night in 2008, but a last-minute cut caused Shamrock to withdraw. Seth Petruzelli stepped in and knocked out Slice in 14 seconds.
After being on “TUF,” Slice later competed on the Ultimate Finale and beat Houston Alexander by unanimous decision.
"UFC is saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Ferguson, known to fans around the world as Kimbo Slice," the promotion said in a statement released early Tuesday morning. "Slice will forever be a part of UFC history as a contestant on season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2009, and for having fought twice inside the Octagon at The Ultimate Fighter Finale and UFC 113. He carried himself as a true professional during his time in our organization.
"While he will never be forgotten for his fighting style and transcendent image, Slice will also be remembered for his warm personality and commitment to his family and friends."
Slice was 5-2 with one no contest in his MMA career. He left MMA in 2011 for professional boxing where he posted a 7-0 record with six knockouts.
Slice and Shamrock finally fought in the summer of 2015 at a Bellator event. Slice won in the first round.
Slice last fought in February 2016 against Dada 5000 in Bellator. Slice won the fight by decision, which later was overturned after Slice tested positive for a banned substance.
Mark La Monica is a deputy sports editor at Newsday. He also covers mixed martial arts.
