MMA Fighter Kimbo Slice Dead At 42
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Mixed-martial arts fighter Kimbo Slice has passed away at the age of 42, according to a statement from the president of Belator MMA.
Slice, 42, had been hospitalized recently for unknown reasons.
His death was confirmed in a statement by Bellator MMA president Scott Coker:
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.
Slice, real name Kevin Ferguson, rose to prominence after videos of his fights spread online.
Slice was best known outside of MMA circles for his 2008 fight with Seth Petruzelli. He was originally meant to fight Ken Shamrock in a much-hyped fight on CBS' Saturday Night Fights, but Shamrock withdrew because of an injury. Slice lost to Petruzelli in shocking fashion, just 14 seconds into the fight.
Fighters are sharing their respects online
