The mixed martial arts world today paused to remember the life and career of Kevin Ferguson, the man better known as “Kimbo Slice.”
Born in the Bahamas, Slice grew up in Florida and gained Internet fame in 2003 when videos of his unsanctioned Miami street fights hit YouTube and other video-sharing websites. He parlayed his notoriety into a lucrative and ultimately successful MMA career, compiling a 5-2 career record inside the EliteXC, Ultimate Fighting Championship and Bellator promotions. Slice made what would turn out to be his final appearance at Bellator 149 on Feb. 19, when he scored a third-round technical knockout over fellow backyard brawler and former bodyguard Dhafir Harris. The result was later changed to a no-contest after Slice tested positive for steroids.
Slice leaves behind a fiancée and six children.
Fans, media, fellow fighters, celebrities and other members of the MMA community mourned the loss on Twitter:
I knew kimbo since I was 19. I was a kid. Wouldn't be where I'm at it if it wasn't for him.
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 7, 2016
I was texting with Kimbo Slice recently. At the end of our conversation he sent me this picture.… https://t.co/Epg6R8k42C
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 7, 2016
RIP Kimbo pic.twitter.com/Q4kZ4xhff8
— Dana White (@danawhite) June 7, 2016
Saddened and shocked at the passing of our family member Kimbo Slice. Full statement: https://t.co/TsTCujfoIK pic.twitter.com/RwxjwdAP1k
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) June 7, 2016
So sorry to Kimbo's family. My thoughts are with you In this horrible time. #RIPKimbo
— Seth Petruzelli (@silverbackseth) June 7, 2016
Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of 42 yr old Kimbo Slice. RIP Kevin, you gave us all so much 2 talk about and enjoy. Rest well #AskBJM
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) June 7, 2016
Man, all I can say about @KimboSlice is that he was really a genuinely nice guy and a gentleman to everyone he dealt with in @BellatorMMA.
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) June 7, 2016
Without Kimbo there is no Dawg Fight. He was the godfather of the game. @therealdada5000's mentor and inspiration. https://t.co/LFXewx9rKw
— Billy Corben (@BillyCorben) June 7, 2016
The ATT Family and South Florida community lost a legend today. RIP Kimbo. pic.twitter.com/sjs8ctyJMd
— American Top Team (@AmericanTopTeam) June 7, 2016
It was thanks to Kimbo's popularity that I was able to be a part of the first major network MMA broadcast team. He will be missed!
— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) June 7, 2016
#RIP #Kimbo A lot of the public probably didn't see that side of you, but those that knew you knew that good guy. pic.twitter.com/EGHTxQ236c
— Justin Wren MMA (@TheBigPygmy) June 7, 2016
This week has been wild in combat sports. @kimboslice you will be missed my brother. He entertained, he made our... https://t.co/an9yg1VrUu
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) June 7, 2016
A very very sad day. Lost a true friend and a legend in @KimboSlice may he rest in peace. My thoughts goes out to his family. #RIPkimbo
— Brad Pickett (@One_Punch) June 7, 2016
What I loved most about Kimbo: he vividly reminded us that even if civil society collapsed, people would still fight for $ with their hands.
— Jordan Breen (@jordanbreen) June 7, 2016
RIP Kimbo Slice. Tragic. Gone far too early. Kimbo was a natural treasure, an American dream, rags-to-riches story. A star in every sense.
— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) June 7, 2016
Remember when Kimbo Slice hit old boy so hard HIS EAR LITERALLY EXPLODED? The legend will never die. pic.twitter.com/scPqKCDk8j
— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) June 7, 2016
— Jack (@SherdogRewind) June 7, 2016