Kimbo Slice (6-2 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) – real name Kevin Ferguson, died on Monday at young age of 42. According to reports he was hospitalized on Monday in South Florida. There is no official word yet on the causes of this tragic death.
Bellator MMA President Scott Coker paid tribute to the mixed martial arts legend, he said: “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.”
The bearded slugger helped Elite XC with his power to attract huge audience consistently, later on he moved to professional boxing and remained unbeaten in 7 fights. In 2015, the Ameican returned to MMA with Bellator.
Slice was scheduled to fight James Thompson on July 16 at Bellator 158 in London. In his last fight Slice secured a TKO victory over “Dada 500” Dhafir Harris at Bellator 149. However due to a failed drug test and anabolic steroid presence, the fight was declared a no-content.
Ferguson launched his MMA career in his mid-thirties, and achieved noticeable victories against Ken Shamrock, Houston Alexander, James Thompson, and Tank Abbott. Despite an intimidating appearance, Slice was a soft-spoken father and a loving husband. He leaves behind wife Antionette Ray, and 6 children. Kimbo will be dearly missed by all his fans, fellow fighters and sports and entertainment industry.