Yesterday afternoon, the somber news broke that Kimbo Slice had passed away at 42. Scheduled to fight in London next month, Slice’s passing was unexpected, with news of his entering hospital emerging just hours before his death was confirmed.
Slice, real name Kevin Ferguson, has long been one of the most colourful characters in Mixed Martial Arts, finding his way to the sport after being essentially one of the first ‘viral figures’ of the YouTube generation.
Bellator President Scott Coker released a statement last night regarding Ferguson’s death, stating:
“We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family. 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 a 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.”
The UFC echoed those thoughts, releasing a statement:
“UFC is saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Ferguson, known to fans around the world as Kimbo Slice. Slice will forever be a part of UFC history as a contestant on season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2009, and for having fought twice inside the Octagon at The Ultimate Fighter Finale and UFC 113. He carried himself as a true professional during his time in our organization. While he will never be forgotten for his fighting style and transcendent image, Slice will also be remembered for his warm personality and commitment to his family and friends. UFC offers its sincere condolences to Slice’s family, friends and teammates at American Top Team.”
A street fighter whose videos propelled him to fame, Slice made the move into the sport of MMA and signed with EliteXC. There, he took part in the first ever MMA event televised on prime time network television and proved the Slice name value, having an estimated 6.5 million people watch his fight. It was the most watched MMA show in TV history until the UFC made its debut on FOX three years later.
After an infamous loss to Seth Petruzelli, Slice was brought into The Ultimate Fighter TV show, once again proving that wherever Slice is shown, people will tune in. His fight against Roy Nelson peaked with 5.3 million viewers.
The exposure on The Ultimate Fighter gave fans an insight into Ferguson that had previously been unavailable. That exposure revealed that the hulking, violent menace was much more than he appeared. He was kind, jovial and above all humble. No amount of ratings changed the fact that, at his core, Kimbo Slice was a family man. He leaves behind six children, three girls and three boys.
So how will the world remember Kimbo? In a word: fun.
A goliath who entered the game late on in life, Slice just had an air. He looked dangerous. He was dangerous! Everything about him added to the aura of danger. Even the way he fought, flying across the ring at every opponent with a bull rush of unbridled aggression, swinging his fists with the worst of intentions.
Genuinely one of the first major stars to emerge through online video, the downside to that fame meant Slice came under more scrutiny than most others in his spot. He would headline events over men with ten times the amount of experience. His appearance was a spectacle by itself.
At the beginning of his career, for every person who wanted to see the internet sensation, there was another deriding him as a fraud. As if he didn’t belong. Kimbo cared not.
Instead, Kimbo focused on himself and his family, ignoring the naysayers and choosing to work on his ability. The hard work was undeniable, and (combined with a sense of nostalgia) when Slice returned to MMA last year after five years away, he did so as a hero.
In a sense, Slice’s legacy in mixed martial arts is a complex one. Much like his life, it had its setbacks as well as moments in glory. It was controversial. It was violent.
Mostly, it was fun.
