SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Kimbo Slice, the popular professional mixed martial arts fighter who rose from backyard brawling social media videos, has died, Bellator MMA confirmed.
He was 42.
Bellator President Scott Coker called his death shocking and devastating. Slice was a featured American mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter at Bellator Fighting Championships tournaments, including a July bout in London against James Thompson.
One of the most popular MMA fighters ever, Kimbo — a hulking 6 foot 2 inch, 230-pound former football player — 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,” Coker said in a statement. “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.”
Police in Florida said Slice had been taken to a hospital, though the reason why wasn’t immediately clear. TMZ Sports first reported he had been hospitalized and was in a “dire” situation.
Coral Springs Police Sgt. Carla Kmiotek said Monday night that a local hospital told the department the fighter, whose real name is Kevin Ferguson, was a patient.
She says officers were dispatched to his home with the expectation that a crowd would gather there.
Kmiotek couldn’t provide any details about why he was hospitalized but says there’s no active police investigation. She says no foul play is suspected.
A hospital representative couldn’t immediately be reached by The Associated Press.
Slice rose to fame from brutal backyard brawling videos which were posted on YouTube. The videos made him an internet sensation that resulted in him leaving the underground combat scene and becoming a professional fighter.
Stay with KRON for updates on this breaking news story on-air, online, and on the KRON4 app.The Associated Press contributed to this report.