Slice dead at 42
Kimbo Slice, who went from novelty YouTube sensation to lovable MMA fighter, is dead at 42 after being taken to a Florida hospital Monday.
Multiple reports, with scarce details, said his condition was “dire” earlier in the day. Bellator and Slice’s gym, American Top Team, later announced his death. The cause is unknown.
There is no police investigation and no foul play is suspected, police said.
“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. “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.”
Slice — born Kevin Ferguson in the Bahamas — gained fame through streetfighting videos that went viral, before making his hobby a profession and joining MMA and later entering the boxing ring.
Slice was 5-2 in UFC matches, winning for the first time in 2007. In boxing, Slice went 7-0 in matches from 2011-13. He was under contract with Bellator MMA and beat Dhafir “Dada 5000” Harris in February in what would be his final fight. He tested positive for steroids, however, and the result was overturned into a no-contest.
Slice had been set to make his return at Bellator 158 on July 16 in London.