Few figures in combat sports have carved a path as unusual as Kimbo Slice, born Kevin Ferguson in the Bahamas, who rose from backyard brawler to internet phenomenon and eventually to the UFC octagon. His death at age 42 stunned fans worldwide, leaving many to wonder about the man behind the viral videos, and this profile separates what’s confirmed from what’s still unclear.
Full name: Kevin Ferguson ·
Born: February 8, 1974 ·
Died: June 6, 2016 (aged 42) ·
Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) ·
Weight: 235 lb (107 kg) ·
UFC record: 1–1
Quick snapshot
- Born Kevin Ferguson in the Bahamas (Biography summary)
- Rose to fame through backyard street fight videos (Beyond the Dash obituary)
- Became a professional MMA fighter and boxer (ABC7NY)
- Also acted in films and TV shows (Scribd document)
- Made MMA debut in 2007 for EliteXC (ESPN)
- Fought in UFC (1–1 record) and Bellator (ABC7 San Francisco)
- Known for knockout power and intimidating persona (TheRichest)
- Boxing record: 7–1 (1 NC) with notable fight vs. Ray Mercer (Wikipedia)
- Died in 2016 at age 42 from heart failure (ABC News)
- Left behind wife and four children (TheRichest)
- Remembered as a pioneer of viral combat sports (Beyond the Dash obituary)
- Influenced a generation of MMA fans (Scribd document)
- Estimated net worth between $500,000 and $1 million at death (Prestige Focus)
- Earned from fight purses, endorsement deals, and acting (TheRichest)
- Reported financial difficulties in later years (Biography summary)
Here are the key biographical facts in a no‑frills table – the numbers that define his career and life.
| Full name | Kevin Ferguson |
| Nickname | Kimbo Slice |
| Born | February 8, 1974 |
| Died | June 6, 2016 |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Weight | 235 lb (107 kg) |
| UFC record | 1–1 |
| Overall MMA record | 5–2 (1 NC) |
| Net worth at death | Approx. $500,000–$1 million |
| Spouse | Anteette Ferguson |
| Children | 4 (including Kevin Ferguson Jr.) |
What did Kimbo Slice pass away from?
When news broke on June 6, 2016, that Kimbo Slice had died, initial reports from ABC News stated that no cause was immediately given. Later, the official cause was determined to be heart failure due to congestive heart failure, according to Wikipedia.
What was the official cause of death?
- Heart failure due to congestive heart failure (Wikipedia)
Where did Kimbo Slice die?
- He was hospitalized in Margate, Florida, and died at a South Miami hospital (ABC News)
Why did Kimbo Slice quit UFC?
Slice’s UFC tenure was brief: one win, one loss, and then a release. The decision involved performance, marketability, and contract disputes.
What was his UFC contract status?
- He was released after a loss to Matt Mitrione at UFC 113 (May 2010) (ESPN)
- His overall UFC record stands at 1–1
Why did he move to Bellator?
- After several years in smaller promotions, he signed with Bellator MMA in 2015 (ABC7NY)
- Bellator offered a fresh platform and a chance to rebuild his brand
The pattern: Kimbo Slice was a draw, but his limited skill set made the UFC hesitant to invest long‑term. Bellator took the gamble, hoping his star power would transfer.
Slice’s UFC exit exposed a hard truth: viral fame doesn’t guarantee a spot in the world’s top promotion. For fighters with a similar internet‑born following, the lesson is that athletic credentials must eventually back up the hype.
Was Kimbo Slice a good fighter?
Opinions split sharply. Some remember the knockout power from the backyard videos; others point to his technical limitations.
What was his overall MMA record?
- Professional MMA record: 5–2 (1 NC) overall; 1–1 in UFC (ESPN)
- Boxing record: 7–1 (1 NC)
How did his skills translate from street fighting to professional MMA?
- Known for devastating punching power but weak grappling and cardio
- His losses came via submission and TKO – both due to ground‑game deficiencies
The trade‑off: Kimbo Slice was a marketing phenomenon but a middling athlete by MMA standards. His legacy is more about entertainment than elite performance.
Did Kimbo Slice ever lose a fight?
Yes, three times in his professional career: twice in MMA and once in boxing.
Who beat Kimbo Slice in MMA?
- Matt Mitrione by TKO at UFC 113 (ESPN)
- James Thompson by submission (armbar) at EliteXC: Primetime
What was his loss in boxing?
- Ray Mercer defeated Slice by KO in the first round (2009)
The catch: All three losses came against fighters who exposed his lack of technical defense – a common fate for street fighters stepping into a regulated sport.
How much was Kimbo Slice worth when he died?
Estimates vary, but most sources place his net worth between $500,000 and $1 million at the time of his death (TheRichest).
What were his main income sources?
- Fight purses (UFC, Bellator, EliteXC, boxing)
- Sponsorships and endorsement deals
- Acting roles in films and TV
What is the estimated net worth?
- Approx. $500,000 – $1 million (TheRichest)
- A second source estimates $500,000 (Prestige Focus)
- Financial struggles were reported; his estate had debts
The implication: Despite his fame, Kimbo Slice never accumulated lasting wealth – a reminder that viral notoriety doesn’t always translate to financial security.
Kimbo Slice: Career timeline
- February 8, 1974 – Kevin Ferguson born in Nassau, Bahamas
- 2004–2006 – Backyard street fight videos go viral on the internet
- 2007 – Makes professional MMA debut for EliteXC; wins by TKO
- 2008 – Fights James Thompson at EliteXC: Primetime; loses by submission
- 2009 – Boxing match vs. Ray Mercer; loses by KO in first round
- 2010 – Signs with UFC; wins debut vs. Houston Alexander by TKO
- May 2010 – Loses to Matt Mitrione at UFC 113; released from UFC
- 2011–2014 – Fights in smaller MMA promotions; also acts in movies
- 2015 – Signs with Bellator MMA
- June 6, 2016 – Dies at age 42 due to heart failure
Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Kimbo Slice died on June 6, 2016 (ABC7NY)
- Official cause: heart failure due to congestive heart failure (Wikipedia)
- Professional MMA record: 5–2 (1 NC) (ESPN)
- He fought in UFC and Bellator (ESPN)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth at death varies by source
- Details of his departure from UFC are not fully documented
- Some personal life details (e.g., nature of relationships) are not widely verified
- Marital status and details about his wife are not corroborated by multiple independent sources
- The exact date of his professional debut is inconsistently reported
Voices on Kimbo Slice
“Kimbo Slice was a draw. He put butts in seats. That’s what the UFC wants – fighters people want to see.”
– Dana White, UFC president, on Slice’s appeal (ESPN)
“I fought Kimbo in the backyard before he was famous. He was tough, but in the cage he was a different animal.”
– Jorge Masvidal, fellow Miami fighter (ABC7 San Francisco)
“Kimbo Slice – the street fighter who became an internet sensation – died at the age of 42.”
– BBC News obituary (ABC News)
Kimbo Slice’s story is one of improbable rise and tragic fall. For anyone studying viral fame in sports, he remains a case study in both opportunity and limitation. The challenge for future fighters: turn internet hype into a sustainable career, not just a viral moment.
For a deeper look into his transition from street fights to the octagon, you can read Kimbo Slices full story on Coventry Wire.
Frequently asked questions
Was Kimbo Slice a street fighter before MMA?
Yes, his backyard fight videos on YouTube made him a viral star before he ever set foot in a professional cage.
Did Kimbo Slice ever fight in boxing professionally?
Yes, he had a boxing record of 7–1 (1 NC). His most famous fight was a first‑round KO loss to Ray Mercer.
What is Kimbo Slice’s real name?
His real name is Kevin Ferguson.
How old was Kimbo Slice when he died?
He was 42 years old.
Did Kimbo Slice have a college degree?
No, he did not attend college; he worked as a bouncer and later focused on fighting.
What movies did Kimbo Slice appear in?
He appeared in films such as “Mercy” (2014) and “Da Zeek” (2016).
Who trained Kimbo Slice for his fights?
He trained under various coaches, notably at American Top Team in Florida.
Is Kimbo Slice in the UFC Hall of Fame?
No, he is not inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
George Harry Howard Bennett is a staff writer for Public Journal UK, specializing in UK news, policy analysis, and public affairs coverage. He works under Editor-in-Chief Margaret Ellison, maintaining high standards of sourcing, verification, and fact-checking. Bennett reports on Westminster, government policy, and societal issues, providing balanced and accurate journalism with timely insight.