RIP KIMBO SLICE: Legendary MMA Fighter Passes Away At Age 42
#KimboSlice became one of the top trending topics on Twitter early this morning as news broke that the legendary backyard brawler had passed away.
Source: LUCAS NOONAN / BELLATOR MMA
His real name was Kevin Ferguson and the news of his death came only a few hours after reports began to circulate on Monday night that the fighter had been hospitalized for undisclosed reasons.
Shortly before midnight, a statement was released by Scott Coker (president of Bellator MMA):
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.
Source: J.R. Davis / WFUN
Kimbo Slice became an internet sensation on YouTube as a backyard brawler before becoming a professional mixed martial artist in 2007. He competed in the main event of the first MMA card to be broadcast on network television, a contest which Slice won.
No cause of death has been released, but authorities say there was no foul play involved.
R.I.P. Kimbo Slice