Kevin Ferguson, known to the world as Kimbo Slice, was a Bahamian-American mixed martial artist, professional boxer, and actor who rose from unauthorized backyard street fights to become one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports. Born on February 8, 1974, in Nassau, Bahamas, he died on June 6, 2016, at the age of 42. His journey from internet sensation to UFC heavyweight remains one of the most unusual paths in modern fighting history.
Slice first gained widespread attention in the mid-2000s when videos of his unsanctioned street fights began circulating online. Those raw, mutual-combat clips filmed in backyards and on boat docks turned him into a viral phenomenon before the term existed. That notoriety opened doors to professional MMA, boxing, and even acting roles, cementing his place as a crossover figure who brought casual viewers into the sport.
Despite a modest professional record, his cultural impact was substantial. His story encapsulates the early days of internet-driven fame, when raw authenticity could propel an unknown fighter onto the biggest stages in the world. Below is a detailed look at the key facts, career milestones, and lingering questions surrounding his life and death.
How Did Kimbo Slice Die?
- Kimbo Slice rose from internet-famous backyard brawler to a UFC heavyweight contender.
- He died at age 42 from heart failure, with contributing factors including congestive heart disease and a history of drug use.
- His professional MMA record stands at 5-2-0 (1 NC) with notable wins over Houston Alexander and Ken Shamrock.
- Kimbo Slice’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated at $500,000, largely from fighting and acting roles.
- He was married to Antoinette Ferguson and had six children.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kevin Ferguson |
| Nickname | Kimbo Slice |
| Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
| Weight | 225 lbs (102 kg) – Heavyweight |
| MMA Record | 5-2-0 (1 NC) |
| Boxing Record | 1-0-0 (1 KO) |
| Date of Birth | February 8, 1974 |
| Date of Death | June 6, 2016 |
| Cause of Death | Heart failure (congestive heart disease) |
| Spouse | Antoinette Ferguson |
| Net Worth (at death) | Approx. $500,000 |
What Was Kimbo Slice’s UFC Record and Professional Career?
MMA Record and UFC Bouts
Kimbo Slice’s professional MMA record stands at 5 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no-contest. He competed in the UFC, where he fought twice. At UFC 113 on May 8, 2010, he defeated Houston Alexander by decision. In his second UFC appearance at UFC 119, he lost to Matt Mitrione by KO/TKO. According to his ESPN MMA profile, those are the two UFC bouts officially recorded. Before the UFC, he fought in EliteXC, where he won several high-profile matches, including a TKO victory over James Thompson at EliteXC: Primetime in 2008.
Boxing and Other Promotions
Beyond MMA, Slice also competed in professional boxing, where he posted a 1-0-0 record with 1 knockout. After his release from the UFC in 2011, he returned to MMA with Bellator in 2014, securing wins over Ken Shamrock and Dada 5000. His career spanned multiple organizations, reflecting his broad appeal as a draw regardless of the promotion.
Kimbo Slice’s professional MMA career began in 2007 with EliteXC. His signing marked a major moment for the promotion, which capitalized on his internet fame. While his technical skills were often questioned by purists, his drawing power was undeniable. His fights consistently attracted significant viewership, particularly the 2008 bout against James Thompson and the upset loss to Seth Petruzelli later that year.
Who Was Kimbo Slice? Biography and Background
Real Name and Early Life
His real name was Kevin Ferguson, and he was born on February 8, 1974, in Nassau, Bahamas. He later moved to Miami, Florida, where he grew up and attended Miami Palmetto High School. According to his Wikipedia entry, he played football in high school and briefly attended Bethune-Cookman University on a football scholarship before returning to Miami.
How He Got the Name Kimbo Slice
The nickname Kimbo Slice originated from his mother, who called him “Kimbo” as a child. The “Slice” part was added later, reportedly inspired by the character “Kimbo Slice” from the 1970s television show “Soul Train” or from a childhood friend. The name stuck and became his brand identity as his street fight videos spread online.
Where Did Kimbo Slice Grow Up?
Slice spent his early childhood in the Bahamas before his family relocated to the United States. He grew up in the Cutler Ridge area of Miami, Florida, a neighborhood that shaped his toughness and resourcefulness. According to Pantheon’s profile, his early environment was marked by economic hardship, which later contributed to his turn toward street fighting as a means of income and reputation.
Kimbo Slice’s height is listed at 6’2″ (188 cm) and his fighting weight was approximately 225 lbs (102 kg) as a heavyweight. These measurements are consistently reported across his Sherdog profile and other official MMA databases.
What Was Kimbo Slice’s Net Worth and Personal Life?
Net Worth at Death
Estimates of Kimbo Slice’s net worth at the time of his death vary. The most commonly cited figure is approximately $500,000, though some sources have speculated higher amounts. Because no verified financial records are publicly available, this figure should be treated as an approximation. His income came from fight purses, pay-per-view bonuses, acting roles, and endorsement deals. Tapology’s fighter page notes that his highest-profile bouts likely generated the bulk of his earnings.
Wife and Children
Kimbo Slice was married to Antoinette Ferguson, and the couple had six children. Information about his family life is limited, as he kept his personal affairs relatively private. Some sources have not reliably confirmed the identity of his spouse, but Ferguson is widely recognized as his wife. The couple’s children include both sons and daughters, though few details about them are publicly available.
The exact net worth of Kimbo Slice remains uncertain. While $500,000 is the most common estimate, some biographical sources have suggested figures as high as $1 million. Without audited financial disclosures, all net worth figures should be treated as approximations. The YouTube biographical video that mentions $1 million does not cite verifiable sources, so that figure carries less weight.
How Did Kimbo Slice Become Famous? The Street Fight Era
- 1974 – Born in Nassau, Bahamas, later moved to Miami, Florida.
- 2003–2007 – Gained fame through backyard street fight videos posted online (e.g., vs. “Big D” and “The Ice Man”).
- 2007 – Signed with EliteXC; made professional MMA debut with a win over Bo Cantrell.
- 2008 – Fought James Thompson at EliteXC: Primetime; won by TKO. Also lost to Seth Petruzelli in a famous upset.
- 2009 – Trained with The Ultimate Fighter 10; later signed with UFC.
- 2010 – UFC debut: defeated Houston Alexander at UFC 113. Second fight: lost to Matt Mitrione at UFC 119.
- 2011 – Released from UFC after a loss and a reported illness.
- 2014 – Returned to MMA with Bellator, winning against Ken Shamrock and Dada 5000.
- 2016 – Died on June 6 due to heart failure at age 42.
His street fight videos, particularly the bout against “Big D” (also known as “The Ice Man”), became some of the most viewed clips on early video-sharing platforms. According to a UFC Facebook video, these fights were the foundation of his legend, showcasing raw power and an unpolished but effective fighting style that captivated audiences worldwide.
What Was Kimbo Slice’s Cause of Death?
Established Information
- Kimbo Slice died on June 6, 2016, at age 42.
- Cause of death was heart failure, confirmed by the Broward County Medical Examiner.
- His official MMA record is 5-2 with one no-contest.
- His height, weight, and real name (Kevin Ferguson) are well-documented.
Information That Remains Unclear
- Exact net worth varies by source; estimates range from $200,000 to $500,000.
- Details of his drug use (specifically anabolic steroids) are mentioned in autopsy reports but not widely confirmed.
- The full extent of his street fight earnings is unknown.
The Broward County Medical Examiner ruled his death a result of heart failure due to congestive heart disease. Some sources have also mentioned liver failure and cardiac complications as contributing factors. The exact medical details vary slightly across reports, but the core finding—heart failure—is consistent. According to Naija News, the official cause was congestive heart failure, while other international sources have described it as cardiac and hepatic insufficiency.
Where Did Kimbo Slice Grow Up?
Kimbo Slice spent his formative years in the Cutler Ridge area of Miami, Florida, after moving from the Bahamas. His childhood was marked by economic struggles, and he turned to street fighting as a way to earn money and build a reputation. The environment of South Florida in the 1980s and 1990s, with its mix of cultures and tough neighborhoods, played a significant role in shaping his combative instincts and streetwise persona.
He attended Miami Palmetto High School, where he played football. His physical size and strength made him a standout athlete, but academic and financial challenges prevented him from pursuing college football beyond a brief stint at Bethune-Cookman University. That unfulfilled athletic path likely contributed to his willingness to engage in unsanctioned street fights, which ultimately became his ticket to fame.
His upbringing in a working-class immigrant family instilled a drive to succeed, even if the methods were unconventional. He often spoke about his mother’s influence and his desire to provide for his family, motivations that remained central to his identity throughout his career.
What Are the Most Trusted Sources on Kimbo Slice?
“Kimbo Slice became famous long before fighting in major promotions. His backyard was into his face and that’s where half of his name came from.”
— UFC Facebook video description
“Kevin ‘Kimbo Slice’ Ferguson was a Bahamian-American mixed martial artist, professional boxer, and actor.”
— Wikipedia
The most reliable sources for verified information about Kimbo Slice include his Wikipedia page, which provides a comprehensive overview with citations, and professional MMA databases like Sherdog and Tapology, which maintain accurate fight records. For career statistics, ESPN’s MMA profile is also a credible source. These sources collectively provide the most accurate and up-to-date information about his life, career, and death.
What Is Kimbo Slice’s Legacy?
Kimbo Slice’s career represents a unique crossover from internet sensation to legitimate professional fighter. His street fighting videos attracted millions of views, paving the way for a brief but notable MMA career. While his skills were often criticized by purists, his popularity brought significant attention to the sport. His death at 42 highlighted the health risks of combat sports and substance abuse. For those interested in the broader context of MMA careers, Belal Muhammad – Complete UFC Record, Ranking and Career Stats offers a detailed look at another fighter’s journey through the sport. His legacy is a mix of awe for his raw power and a cautionary tale about the toll of fighting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kimbo Slice
What was Kimbo Slice’s real name?
Kevin Ferguson.
How tall was Kimbo Slice?
6’2″ (188 cm).
How much did Kimbo Slice weigh?
Approximately 225 lbs (102 kg) as a heavyweight.
Did Kimbo Slice have a wife?
Yes, he was married to Antoinette Ferguson.
How many children did Kimbo Slice have?
Six children.
What was Kimbo Slice’s net worth?
Estimated at $500,000 at the time of his death.
When did Kimbo Slice die?
June 6, 2016.
Why did Kimbo Slice die?
Heart failure due to congestive heart disease, with contributing factors including steroid use.
What was Kimbo Slice’s most famous street fight?
His fight against “Big D” (also known as “The Ice Man”) is one of the most viewed backyard brawls online.
Did Kimbo Slice fight in the UFC?
Yes, he fought twice in the UFC, with a win over Houston Alexander and a loss to Matt Mitrione.
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