httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgyv6soI2l8
Mixed martial arts fighter Kimbo Slice died Monday at a Coral Springs, Florida hospital, according to sources with Miami television station WPLG. WPLG reported their sources said Slice, real name Kevin Ferguson, had a heart attack and had been living with an enlarged heart.
Coral Springs police were dispatched to his South Florida home to prevent a potential gathering outside.
Slice last fought at Bellator 149 on Feb. 19 in Houston.
Slice defeated Dhafir Harris in a three-round decision.
The Texas commission later changed the result to a no-contest after Slice tested positive for anabolic steroids and an elevated testosterone ratio, ESPN reported Monday night.
The 6-foot-2, 215 pound fighter rose to fame after posting a series of extreme street fights on YouTube, according to the Miami Herald.
Slice fought in the now-defunct EliteXC, Ultimate Fighting Championship and Bellator MMA. Scott Coker, CEO of Bellator MMA, released a statement Monday on the Bellator website.
“We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family,” Coker said.
“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 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.”