Kimbo Slice Has Died at 42

MMA fighter Kimbo Slice died after being hospitalized on Monday.

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Complex Original

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UPDATED 6/7/16, 7:00 a.m. ET: Kimbo Slice's manager Mike Imber confirmed Slice's death in a text sent to the Associated Press early Tuesday morning. "We lost our brother today," he said.

UPDATED 11:30 p.m. ET: Scott Coker, CEO of Bellator MMA, confirmed Kimbo Slice's death late Monday. He was 42.

"We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family," Coker said in a statement. "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."

Condolences have been pouring out for Kimbo on Twitter, including from his fellow MMA fighters and the facility at which he trained in Florida:

I hate typing that #KimboSlice just passed away. #RIP my friend. Thanks for your encouragement. The fight world took two hits back to back.
We battled inside the cage, warrior vs warrior. Outside the cage, we have loved ones. REST IN PEACE KIMBO SLICE. May God Watch Over You.
The ATT Family and South Florida community lost a legend today. RIP Kimbo. pic.twitter.com/sjs8ctyJMd
I was texting with Kimbo Slice recently. At the end of our conversation he sent me this picture.… https://t.co/Epg6R8k42C

Original story, below


MMA fighter Kimbo Slice was reportedly hospitalized Monday in Florida. Sources have told TMZ the 42-year-old’s "situation does not look good." Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting has also confirmed the report regarding Slice. 

Coral Springs police are now at Kimbo’s home where they are speaking with his family and according to Christopher Brennan of the New York Daily News, the authorities are declaring the situation as a "medical issue." 

Born as Kevin Ferguson, Slice rose to fame in 2003 through his appearances in street fighting videos. He eventually found himself in mixed martial arts with a 5-2 career record. His last fight against Dada 5000 was mired in controversy when Dhafir Harris nearly died, claiming he suffered two heart attacks and kidney failure in the Octagon. Harris was hospitalized for nearly three weeks.   

Bellator ruled the fight as a no contest after Kimbo tested positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone, as well as an elevated T:E ratio. Ferguson would eventually reach a settlement the Texas Athletic Commission that resulted in revoking his license in Texas, and a $2,500 fine.  

There have also been unconfirmed rumors of his death. Police confirmed to Complex that he's at the Northwest Medical Center.

We will update you with more information when it becomes available. 

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