What Happened to Kevin Ferguson (Kimbo Slice)?

Kevin Ferguson, better known as Kimbo Slice, carved a unique path from internet sensation to mainstream combat sports star. Born in Nassau, Bahamas, on February 8, 1974, Slice moved to the U.S. as a child and grew up in Florida. He initially gained notoriety in the early 2000s through viral videos showcasing his bare-knuckle street fights, earning him the moniker 'The King of the Web Brawlers' from Rolling Stone.

His raw appeal led to a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career, beginning in 2007 with EliteXC. Slice quickly became a major draw, headlining several events and bringing significant mainstream attention to the sport. His fight against James Thompson in 2008 on CBS was a landmark event for MMA on network television. Following EliteXC's demise, Slice joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2009, participating in 'The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights.' While he lost his exhibition fight on the show to Roy Nelson, he made his official UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale, defeating Houston Alexander. His UFC tenure concluded with a 1-1 record after a loss to Matt Mitrione at UFC 113 in 2010.

After his stint in the UFC, Slice ventured into professional boxing, compiling an undefeated record of 7-0 with six knockouts between 2011 and 2013. He later returned to MMA, signing with Bellator in 2015. His highly anticipated return fight against Ken Shamrock at Bellator 138 in June 2015 drew massive viewership. His final professional fight was at Bellator 149 in February 2016 against Dhafir 'Dada 5000' Harris, which he won by TKO, though the result was later overturned to a no-contest after Slice tested positive for an anabolic steroid.

On June 5, 2016, Kimbo Slice was admitted to a hospital in Margate, Florida, experiencing severe chest pains, shortness of breath, and nausea. Doctors diagnosed him with congestive heart failure and discovered a mass on his liver. He was placed on a ventilator, and his family was informed he would need a heart transplant. Tragically, Kevin Ferguson passed away the following day, June 6, 2016, at the age of 42, while being prepared for transfer to a facility in Cleveland for a heart transplant.

Slice's death sent shockwaves through the combat sports community, with many remembering him as a charismatic and influential figure who transcended the sport. His legacy continues through his six children, particularly his son, Kevin Ferguson Jr., known as 'Baby Slice,' who has pursued a career in MMA and is slated to make his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) debut in September 2025, carrying on the family's fighting tradition.