One of the world’s most popular MMA fighters, Kimbo Slice, has died aged 42, reports claim.
After being hospitalised early Monday, not too far from his home in Coral Springs, Florida, the boxer and mixed martial artist reportedly died shortly afterwards.
According to TMZ, the CEO of Bellator MMA confirmed the news saying: “We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family.”
They added:
One of the most popular MMA fighters ever, Kimbo was a charismatic, larger-than-life personality that transcended the sport.
Outside of the cage he was a friendly, gentle giant and a devoted family man. His loss leaves us all with extremely heavy hearts, and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ferguson family and all of Kimbo’s friends, fans and teammates.
The details around Kimbo Slice’s death remain unclear.
Kimbo Slice, who was born under the name Kevin Ferguson, spent his life as a backyard brawler and Internet sensation, famed for his exuberant antics.
He was born in the Bahamas on Feb. 8, 1974 but spent most of his life in Miami – making it his secondary home.
The heavyweight stood at a herculean 6-foot-2 and weighed 225 pounds. He had a 5-2 professional record with four TKOs.
As a fighter, he was signed to Bellator MMA and scheduled to headline Bellator 158 on July 16 in London against James Thompson.
More to follow