The result was later changed to a no-contest by the Texas commission, after Slice tested positive for anabolic steroids and an elevated testosterone ratio.
Slice (5-2) defeated Dhafir Harris, a.k.a. He parlayed that into becoming one of the biggest ratings draws in the history of mixed martial arts. Slice first gained acclaim for his street fights, which were filmed and posted on YouTube in the early 2000s and transformed him into one of the world’s first online viral video stars. “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.” I’m just enjoying each fight as it comes.“Outside of the cage he was a friendly, gentle giant and a devoted family man,” Coker continued. I’m not looking ahead to winning a title or anything like that. “I’m really just having happy days in the midst – being among them, fighting on the undercards, just contributing to the UFC and the sport. “The guys who are holding the titles, heavyweight and light heavyweight, these guys are awesome,” Slice told the AP in a 2010 interview before his second UFC fight. He acknowledged being an MMA newcomer with much to learn about his new sport, never claiming to be anything but a big puncher providing for his family while constantly trying to learn the sport’s other disciplines.
He also had a pro boxing career between stints in the cage, going 7-0 with six knockouts from 2011-13.įor all of his glowering in-cage swagger and viral fame, Slice was extraordinarily honest about his fighting abilities. While he went 5-2 and never won a championship belt, Slice became one of MMA’s best-known figures, attracting large television audiences and crowds to his growing sport. With Slice and pioneering featherweight Gina Carano as the top attractions, EliteXC’s two CBS shows drew big television ratings and introduced millions of viewers to MMA. Slice was the star of the first MMA show broadcast on network television, beating Thompson by third-round knockout in May 2008 on CBS with the defunct EliteXC promotion. “The ATT Family and South Florida community lost a legend today,” the team said in a post on its Twitter account. Slice was scheduled to headline the Bellator 158 show in London next month in a bout against James Thompson.Īmerican Top Team, the prominent South Florida gym where Slice trained for many years, also mourned his passing. His loss leaves us all with extremely heavy hearts.” Outside of the cage he was a friendly, gentle giant and a devoted family man. “One of the most popular MMA fighters ever, Kimbo was a charismatic, larger-than-life personality that transcended the sport. “We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice,” Coker said. Slice beat Dhaffir “Dada 5000” Harris with a third-round knockout at Bellator 149 in February in Houston, but the result was overturned after Slice tested positive for steroid use.
Slice’s death also was confirmed by Scott Coker, the CEO of Bellator, which promoted his return to MMA last year after a five-year absence. He studied MMA and eventually competed in several promotions, including the UFC and Bellator, which staged his two most recent fights. Videos of his violent knockout victories in those bouts became wildly popular online, both for his punching power and his distinctive, intimidating appearance. Slice was a Bahamian-born ex-football player and strip club bouncer who began competing in unsanctioned street fights in 2003. Kmiotek said there is no active police investigation, and no foul play is suspected. “We lost our brother today,” Imber said in a text message to the Associated Press. Slice’s death was confirmed by Mike Imber, his longtime manager.