News

Kimbo Slice Dead at 42

MMA fighter Kevin "Kimbo" Slice has passed away from as-yet-undetermined causes.

Published June 6, 2016

 (Instagram)
Image Via Instagram

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson died on 6 June 2016 at the age of 42.

Scott Coker, president of Bellator MMA, confirmed Slice's death in a statement:

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.

The sad news was also announced on America Top Team's Twitter account:

Slice had been hospitalized at Northwest Medical Center in Margate, Florida earlier in the day. Officials have not announced the cause of death, but foul play is not suspected.

Kimbo Slice was a former backyard brawler who earned fame on YouTube before becoming a professional fighter. According to ESPN, he had a 5-2 professional record with four TKOs and was scheduled to headline Bellator 158 in July:

Slice was also a contestant on season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter. The UFC released a statement about him shortly after his passing:

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.

Dan Evon is a former writer for Snopes.