Kimbo Slice, MMA Icon & Original YouTube Star, Dead At 42

Sad news coming out of the world of mixed martial arts fighting today, with reports emerging that cult figure Kimbo Slice has died in Florida. He was 42.
Slice, real name Kevin Ferguson, holds a pioneering role in regards to the internet, being one of the very first viral YouTube stars after a series of street fight videos featuring him began circulating around 2003.
The fearsome reputation that Slice accumulated from those videos enabled him to forge a lengthy and reasonably successful MMA career.
Slice amassed an overall MMA record of 5-2-1, with his last contest coming in February of this year in a highly controversial bout against Dhaffir Harris. Slice won the bout by TKO, but the decision was later reversed after he tested positive to anabolic steroids.
Throughout his career he appeared for promotions such as EliteXC (a company that built their heavyweight division around him), a brief stint in the UFC and their reality series Ultimate Fighter, and most recently for Bellator.
Bellator CEO Scott Coker confirmed Slice’s passing to TMZ a short time ago:

“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.”

Slice was reportedly rushed to hospital earlier this morning (Australian time) in “grave” condition following an undisclosed heart issue. He reportedly passed away a short time later with family by his side.

Rest in power, King of the Web Brawlers.

Source: TMZ.
Photo: Mel Melcon/Getty.

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