It has been announced that Kimbo Slice, real name Kevin Ferguson, has passed away at the age of 42.
Slice shot to fame with his street boxing videos which went viral online and it wasn’t until 2007 that he first competed in a professional MMA bout.
The bout took place under the now defunct EliteXC promotion, in which Slice spent his first four fights with going 3-1. Slice then took part in the UFC’s Ultimate Fighter reality series in which he lost out to the eventual winner Roy Nelson, but was given a small run in the promotion afterwards. After going 1-1 with the UFC, Slice then signed for Bellator MMA in which he took on Ken Shamrock and Dada 5000.
There is still no confirmation of the cause of Slice’s death, but reports suggest it was a heart attack. Slice leaves behind him six children and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
Bellator have issued the following statement on the news;
We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and 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.
Kimbo’s former employers the UFC have released an official statement which can be seen below;
UFC is saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Ferguson, known to fans around the world as Kimbo Slice.
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.
UFC offers its sincere condolences to Slice’s family, friends and teammates at American Top Team.