Mixed Martial Arts fighter Kimbo Slice, real name Kevin Ferguson, died in Miami, Florida, on Monday, June 6. He was 42 years old.
Bellator MMA president Scott Coker confirmed Ferguson’s death in a statement, saying, “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,” Coker 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.”
According to a sergeant at Coral Springs Police in Miami, Ferguson was admitted to hospital on Monday night. There was no evidence of foul play.
The fighter, who was born in the Bahamas in 1974, came to the U.S. as a child and shot to fame through his YouTube backyard fighting videos. He signed to the UFC in 2009 and last year became a fighter for the MMA.
Ferguson is survived by six children and his longtime love, Antionette Ray. One of his three sons, Kevin Ferguson Jr., made his MMA debut in March.
