Kimbo Slice
Kimbo Slice was the ring name of Kevin Ferguson, a Bahamian-American mixed martial artist, professional boxer, and actor.
Kimbo Slice was the ring name of Kevin Ferguson, a Bahamian-American fighter who rose to fame through viral street-fight videos before competing professionally in MMA and boxing. He died in 2016 at age 42 from heart failure.
Who he was
Born Kevin Ferguson in Nassau, Bahamas, in 1974, he moved to Miami, Florida as a child. He first gained widespread attention in the 2000s for online street-fight videos that showcased his raw power and charisma. That notoriety launched his career in professional combat sports.
Why it matters
Kimbo Slice was one of the first fighters to successfully transition from internet fame to legitimate professional competition. His viral videos brought a new audience to MMA and boxing, and his fights against names like Ken Shamrock in Bellator MMA became memorable events. He helped blur the line between entertainment and sport.
Key details
Slice competed in both MMA and professional boxing between the mid-2000s and 2013. Notable opponents included Ken Shamrock in Bellator. He was hospitalized in Florida in June 2016 and died days later at age 42 from congestive heart failure. He left behind a legacy as a cultural phenomenon in combat sports.
In short
- Born in the Bahamas, raised in Miami.
- Became famous via viral street-fight videos in the 2000s.
- Fought professionally in MMA and boxing.
- Died at 42 from heart failure in 2016.
Quick questions
How old was Kimbo Slice when he died?
What happened to Kimbo Slice?
What was Kimbo Slice's real name?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimbo_SliceSupports: Birth name, birthplace, age at death, profession, and mention of career and death.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-36466451Supports: Real name, age at death, birth in Nassau, Bahamas, and move to the US as a child.
- ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/19551302/the-final-days-mma-fighter-kimbo-sliceSupports: Date of death, age, and heart failure as cause of death.
- The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/08/sports/kimbo-slice-street-brawler-and-mma-fighter-dies-at-42.htmlSupports: Overview of his rise from viral street-fight videos to professional MMA and confirmation of death in Margate, Florida.
- Sky Sports — https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/news/29876/10306357/kimbo-slice-died-aged-42-after-a-unique-fighting-and-entertaining-careerSupports: Career overview and mention of fighting career.