Kimbo Slice has died at the age of 42. According to the CEO of Bellator MMA, Slice died on June 6.
Slice was hospitalized near his home in Coral Springs, Florida and died shortly after being a admitted.
Here are five things you should know about MMA fighter Kimbo Slice.
Football Beginnings
Born Kevin Ferguson in Nassau, Bahamas, Slice was raised in Miami. He earned a scholarship to play football and attended Bethune-Cookman University and University of Miami. He attempted to earn a roster spot on the Miami Dolphins, but he was eventually cut.
Street Fighter
Slice made a name for himself in the early 2000s by winning street fights that were recorded on video. His fight against Sean Gannon, a heavyweight MMA-trained police officer, became a viral hit and Slice’s skills caught the eye of prominent MMA officials.
MMA Career
Slice soon signed to fight MMA professionally and defeated Ray Mercer in his first professional fight. He eventually fought his way to the UFC 113 championship and loss to Matt Miltrione in 2010. Slice also tried his hand at boxing in 2010 and began fighting as a heavyweight. He eventually won seven fights before returning to MMA by signing a deal with Belabor MMA in January 2015. Slice defeated Dhaffir Harris by TKO, but he lost his license in Texas after testing positive steroids in early May.
Pop Star Status
Slice became a prominent figure in pop culture shortly after his initial street fights went viral. He was often mentioned in songs by rappers and appeared in films and TV. Slice had a role in The Scorpion King 3 and appeared on Nickelodeon’s “Drake & Josh.”
Life Outside of Celebrity
Slice has six children and was engaged to be married to his long time girlfriend.
