Street fighter and MMA pioneer Kimbo Slice dead at 42
Bearded brawler became internet phenomenon
Kimbo Slice, the bearded street fighter who parlayed his internet popularity into a mixed martial arts career and worldwide fame, has died. He was 42.
Slice, whose real name was Kevin Ferguson, was taken to a hospital in Margate, Florida, near his home Monday, Coral Springs Police sergeant Carla Kmiotek said.
Slice’s death was confirmed by Mike Imber, his longtime manager.
“We lost our brother today,” Imber said in a text message.
The cause of death was still unclear. Kmiotek said there is no active police investigation, and no foul play is suspected.
Born in the Bahamas and raised in the Miami area, Slice was a strip club bouncer and bodyguard who began competing in unsanctioned street fights in 2003. Videos of his violent knockout victories in those bouts became wildly popular online, both for Slice’s raw punching power and his distinctive, intimidating appearance.