A positive week for Mixed Martial Arts, turned upside down tonight.
Fighter Kevin Ferguson, aka Kimbo Slice, has passed away at the age of 42.
According to ESPN, the famed fighter was hospitalized today in South Florida for undisclosed reasons. Sgt. Carla Kmiotek of the Coral Springs Police Department confirmed that Slice had been hospitalized. Due to his public status, officers were dispatched to the home to prevent a potential crowd outside.
The former backyard brawler had a short stint in the UFC in 2009. Slice lasted only five months, losing his first and final pay-per-view bout against Matt Mitrione at UFC 113. It took nearly five years for the internet sensation to return to the octogan, signing with Bellator MMA on January 19, 2015.
Kimbo recently defeated rival Dhaffir “DaDa 5000” Harris at Bellator 149. But the fight was ruled a no contest after Slice tested positive for anabolic steroids and an elevated testosterone ratio. He was set to headline Bellator 158 in London, going up against James Thompson.
MMA Fighting confirmed the death through their sources, including Kimbo’s gym American Top Team:
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 a true nothing to something story for Kimbo Slice. He was a huge draw for the sport and he will be missed.
