Kimbo Slice, a professional mixed martial artist who was scheduled to headline a pay-per-view event in London next month, died Monday of unknown causes.
He was 42 years old.
“We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family,” Bellator MMA President Scott Coker said in a statement, referring to Slice as “a charismatic, larger-than-life personality that transcended the sport.”
Coker continued:
“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.”
According to the Coral Springs Police Department, Slice had been hospitalized yesterday morning in Margate, Florida for undisclosed reasons.
Authorities added that said no foul play is suspected in his death.
Slice (real name: Kevin Ferguson) grew into an Internet sensation in 2003 for his appearance and for his backyard fighting videos, knocking numerous opponents in unsanctioned street fights.
He later signed a deal to fight in the UFC and was undefeated as a boxer.
At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, he fought as a heavyweight and had a 5-2 professional record with four TKOs.
He was signed to Bellator MMA and set to headline Bellator 158 on July 16 against James Thompson.
Slice last fought for that company on February 19, winning a three-round decision that was later changed to a no-contest because Kimbo tested positive for anabolic steroids and an elevated testosterone ratio.
We will soon learn whether performance-enhancing drugs played a role in his passing.
“We lost our brother today,” Slice’s longtime manager, Mike Imber, wrote in a text message to The Associated Press.
While it’s ridiculous to compare the influence both men had on the world, Slice’s death does come just a couple days after the fighting world also lost Mohammed Ali.
We send our condolences to Slice’s family and loved ones.
