Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson, popular backyard fighter and later MMA star, has died. He was 42.
Slice was at his South Florida residence when the call was made to transport him to Northwest Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, a spokeswoman for the Coral Springs, Fla., said Monday. Some reports say the fighter died from suspected heart failure, however, this has not been confirmed.
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Bellator president Scott Coker 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.” He continued: “Outside 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, found fame back in 2003, for his backyard fighting videos and unsanctioned street fights. He became a viral sensation and later signed a deal to fight for the UFC. h/t realcoolvideos
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Slice’s family and friends at this difficult time.