MMA fighter Kimbo Slice passes away at 42 due to undisclosed reasons

MMA’s short-lived star Kimbo Slice passed away after being rushed to the hospital in Florida on Tuesday.

According to TMZ, professional mixed martial artist Slice, real name Kevin Ferguson, was rushed to the hospital nearest to his home in Coral Springs, Florida. His passing was confirmed by American Top Team, where Slice learned and trained to fight in a professional ring.

The cause of Slice’s death remains undisclosed but News.com.au reports that it might have been a possible heart attack. Several speculations also include death caused by steroid use. Local police are currently at Slice’s home investigating and collecting information from his family about how the MMA fighter ended up being rushed in the hospital.

ESPN reports that Sergeant Carla Kmiotek of the Coral Springs Police Department confirmed that Slice was indeed hospitalised on Tuesday. To protect his home and family, police officers where dispatched to prevent crowding.

Slice rose to fame after his YouTube backyard fighting videos went viral in 2003. In 2007, Slice entered the professional MMA scene after being contracted by Elite Xtreme Combat. While his career in UFC was short-lived, Slice did manage to reach the Ultimate 10 Fighter where he pummelled Houston Alexander and won through decision in 2009. His UFC career ended when Matt Mitrione overpowered him in the second round of UFC 113. Due to how fast Slice got kicked out of the event, UFC president Dana White promptly responded that the company will be cutting him off. Slice’s last match in the ring was in Sydney, where he beat Australian Shane Tilyard in 2013.

Slice was last seen in February at the Bellator 149, where he defeated American Dhafir Harris aka Dada 5000. His victory was overturned when Slice tested positive for banned anabolic steroids.

Slice was supposed to make another appearance at Bellator 158 on July 16 where he was to have a bout with James Thompson.

Following the news of his death at 42 years old, his fans turn to the social media to offer his family their encouragement and support.