Kimbo Slice, 42, mixed martial arts fighter and Youtube star, died in Florida on Monday.
Slice, born Kevin Ferguson, was admitted to Northwest Medical Center in Margate, Florida on Monday. Police said officers were sent to Slice’s house after his hospitalization, but no issues were found. Slice died of heart failure. He is survived by his long-time girlfriend, to whom he was engaged, and his six children.
Scott Coker, the president of Bellator, the company that represented Slice, released a statement about Slice’s death.
“We are shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family,” Coker said. “Outside of the cage he was a friendly, gentle giant and a devoted family man.”
Slice was an internet sensation, gaining fame for his viral street-fighting videos. He was known as “The King of the Web Brawlers.” A heavyweight at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, his professional record was at 5-2 with four TKOs. Slice made his professional MMA debut on November 10, 2007, for the now-defunct EliteXC, beating Bo Cantrell. In 2015, he was signed by Bellator and promoted in a main event against Ken Shamrock, a fight which Slice won in the first round. Slice was a former UFC fighter.
Slice trained out of American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. Although he was popular, he was honest about being an MMA newcomer who worked to learn the sport and provide for his family.
“The guys who are holding the titles…these guys are awesome,” Slice told the AP in a 2010 interview. “I’m just really having happy days in the midst—being among them, fighting on the undercards. I’m just enjoying each fight as it comes.”
