Kimbo Slice dead: MMA fighter dies aged 42
The Bellator MMA and former UFC fighter, real name Kevin Ferguson, passed away late on Monday night
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Your support makes all the difference.Kimbo Slice has died at the age of 42, it has been confirmed.
MMA fighter Slice, real name Kevin Ferguson, was admitted to hospital in Coral Springs, Florida, with police reportedly asking his family for information after his admittance.
However, it was confirmed later on Monday night that the former UFC fighter had died. He is survived by his girlfriend and six children.
Slice had been diagnosed with heart failure and needed a transplant days before he died on Monday, according to newly released hospital records.
His training outfit, the American Top Team, confirmed the news on Twitter, posting: "The ATT Family and South Florida community lost a legend today. RIP Kimbo."
Slice has been competing most recently in the Bellator MMA fighting company, with his last outing coming in February at Bellator 149 in a victory over Dada 5000. The win was overturned however, after Slice had tested positive for steroids.
Slice was due to fight at Bellator London on 16 July at the O2 Arena, and had planned to fly to the capital to meet members of the media this week before being admitted to hospital. A statement from Bellator president Scott Coker confirmed Slice's death, and expressed the entire company's sadness at the tragic news.
"We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family," said Coker.
"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."
Slice rose to prominence by his participation in Miami street fights, with the American gaining recognition for his phenomenal punching power and striking ability as his fights were often uploaded to YouTube.
Slice was signed by the UFC to appear in The Ultimate Fighter [TUF] 10, although his time with the company would not last long as he left with a record of 4-2 from his six fights.
The Bellator 149 match was marred not only by his positive drug test, but also the news that Dada 5000 had suffered two heart attacks during the fight. However, Slice was scheduled to have a rematch with James Thompson in London next month.
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