Kimbo Slice—born Kevin Ferguson—went from bouncer to internet sensation to UFC headliner, but his story is more than a collection of knockout clips. This guide covers the full arc: the backyard brawls that made him famous, the drug test that ended his UFC run, and the heart condition that stopped it all at age 42.
Full name: Kevin Ferguson ·
Born: February 8, 1974 ·
Died: June 6, 2016 (age 42) ·
MMA record: 6 wins, 2 losses, 1 no contest ·
Nickname: Kimbo Slice ·
Team: American Top Team
Quick snapshot
- Died of heart failure on June 6, 2016 (ESPN (sports news))
- Tested positive for nandrolone in 2010 (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- Net worth estimated at $500,000 at death (CBS New York (local news)) (ESPN (sports news))
- Exact details of his final hospitalization remain private
- Whether street-fighting exposure contributed to long-term heart damage is speculative
- 2007: MMA debut → 2016: death in 9-year span (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- His legacy continues as a cautionary tale about sudden cardiac death in athletes
Seven key stats that define Kimbo Slice’s life:
| Real name | Kevin Ferguson |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | February 8, 1974 |
| Date of death | June 6, 2016 |
| Age at death | 42 |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Weight | 215–235 lbs (98–107 kg) |
| MMA record | 6 wins (4 KOs, 0 subs, 2 decisions), 2 losses, 1 NC |
What caused Kimbo Slice’s death?
Heart failure due to congestive heart failure
- Cause: traumatic heart failure (also called congestive heart failure) (ESPN (sports news))
Kimbo Slice died of heart failure on June 6, 2016, at a hospital in South Miami, Florida. CBS New York (local news) reported the death the same day, noting that no foul play was suspected. ESPN (sports news) later confirmed the specific cause as traumatic heart failure.
Hospitalization timeline
- Admitted in late May 2016, died June 6
Slice had been hospitalized in the days before his death. His family stated he had been battling a prolonged illness, but details remain private. The rapid decline from admission to death surprised many in the MMA community.
Kimbo Slice’s heart disease went undetected until it was fatal, despite routine medical clearances for combat sports. The gap between pre-fight checks and underlying cardiac risks remains a concern for regulators.
The implication: even a towering 6’2″ heavyweight could not outrun a failing heart. Other famous figures like Bobby Fischer: Cause of Death, IQ, and Exile and Karen Carpenter: Cause of Death, Final Words & Legacy also died from heart-related issues, highlighting the unpredictability of cardiac health.
How much was Kimbo Slice worth when he died?
Career earnings from MMA and boxing
- Main paydays: EliteXC, UFC, Bellator, boxing
Slice fought on television main events for EliteXC and appeared on UFC pay-per-views, but his earnings never reached top-tier levels. He also had a brief boxing career, reportedly going 7-0 with 6 knockouts according to CBS New York (local news).
Net worth estimate at death
- Estimated at $500,000
At the time of his death, Kimbo Slice’s net worth was estimated at $500,000, as reported by CBS New York (local news). This modest sum reflects a career that, despite its fame, never reached the elite earnings of top UFC champions.
Slice earned more from viral fame than from fighting. His $500,000 net worth is less than many regional MMA fighters earn in a few years, underscoring how difficult it is to monetize sudden internet popularity.
What this means: viral fame doesn’t always translate to lasting wealth.
Why did the UFC cut Kimbo Slice?
Failed drug test
- Tested positive for nandrolone after UFC 113 (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
Kimbo Slice was released by the UFC after testing positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone. The test followed his loss to Matt Mitrione at UFC 113 in May 2010. Wikipedia (open encyclopedia) confirms the positive test and subsequent release.
Release from contract
- UFC terminated his contract in 2010
He never fought again under the promotion. The UFC’s anti-doping policy at the time resulted in an immediate termination.
The trade-off: one failed test ended a run that could have been longer.
Did Kimbo Slice ever lose a fight?
- Loss to Seth Petruzelli (EliteXC, 2008) – TKO
- Loss to Matt Mitrione (UFC, 2010) – unanimous decision
He lost two of his eight professional MMA bouts. The first came in a shockingly quick defeat to Seth Petruzelli in 2008. The second was a decision loss to Mitrione.
Loss to Seth Petruzelli
- 14-second knockout
In an EliteXC event, Petruzelli knocked out Slice in 14 seconds, shattering his undefeated aura. To learn more about his life, death, and legacy, check out El llegat del príncep Felip.
Loss to Matt Mitrione
- Three-round decision at UFC 113
At UFC 113, Mitrione outworked Slice over three rounds, handing him his second official loss.
The pattern: when faced with technical strikers, Slice’s raw power wasn’t enough.
What was Kimbo Slice’s full fight record?
Professional record: 6 wins, 2 losses, 1 NC
- 4 wins by KO, 2 by decision
- Career span: 2007–2016
His MMA record is documented by Wikipedia (open encyclopedia) and CBS New York (local news). The no-contest occurred in his final Bellator fight against James Thompson, which ended due to a cut from an accidental headbutt.
Notable opponents
- Tank Abbott (win, 2008)
- Ken Shamrock (win, 2008 in EliteXC; later win in Bellator 2015)
- Houston Alexander (win, 2009 UFC debut)
- Roy Nelson (loss on The Ultimate Fighter)
The takeaway: he fought icons of two eras – and won more often than not.
Timeline of Kimbo Slice’s life
- 1974 – Born in Nassau, Bahamas (CBS New York (local news))
- 2003 – First backyard street fight video posted online (CBS New York (local news))
- 2007 – Professional MMA debut vs. Bo Cantrell (win via KO) (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- 2008 – Fought in EliteXC main event vs. Ken Shamrock (win) (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- 2009 – Signed with UFC; lost to Matt Mitrione (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- 2010 – Released by UFC after positive drug test (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- 2011 – Returned to boxing and MMA (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- 2015 – Signed with Bellator MMA (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- 2016 – Died of heart failure at age 42 (ESPN (sports news)/CBS New York (local news))
Sources: Wikipedia (open encyclopedia) and CBS New York (local news).
The timeline shows a rapid 9-year career from debut to death, with most of his fame concentrated in the first few years.
Confirmed facts and remaining questions
Confirmed facts
- Died of heart failure (ESPN (sports news))
- Birth name Kevin Ferguson (CBS New York (local news))
- Fought in EliteXC, UFC, Bellator (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- Tested positive for nandrolone in 2010 (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- Net worth $500,000 at death (CBS New York (local news))
What’s unclear
- Exact cause of heart failure not fully detailed
- Whether street fighting contributed to heart damage
- Details of his final hospitalization
- Whether Slice had underlying heart disease before his MMA career is unknown
- The role of performance-enhancing drugs in his health decline is not publicly documented
These facts and uncertainties highlight the complexity of Slice’s life and death.
Key quotes
He was a genuine guy, a real character. He was fun to be around.
Dana White, UFC President (via ESPN (sports news))
Kimbo Slice was a beloved father, son, brother, and friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.
Family statement (via BBC News (international broadcaster))
Kimbo Slice’s story is one of rapid rise and sudden end. From internet street brawls to headline UFC events, he captured a generation’s attention. But his death at 42 from heart failure—with an estate of just half a million dollars—paints a sobering picture. For aspiring fighters, the choice is clear: invest in long-term health and financial discipline, or risk repeating the same pattern.
For a detailed look at his fight record and personal life, see Kimbo Slices biography and record.
Frequently asked questions
What was Kimbo Slice’s real name?
Kevin Ferguson.
How did Kimbo Slice get famous?
Through videos of his street fights in Miami, which went viral on YouTube in the early 2000s.
What weight class did Kimbo Slice fight in?
He competed as a heavyweight (215–235 lbs).
Did Kimbo Slice have any children?
Yes, he had several children, including a son who also became a fighter.
Was Kimbo Slice ever a professional boxer?
Yes, he had a professional boxing record of 7 wins, 6 by knockout, according to CBS New York (local news).
What was Kimbo Slice’s longest fight?
His decision loss to Matt Mitrione went three rounds (15 minutes).
Where is Kimbo Slice buried?
He is buried in Miami, Florida.
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Hannah Walsh covers federal and provincial politics and public policy for Canada Scope.