Kimbo Slice – UFC Record, Cause of Death, Family and Net Worth

Kimbo Slice, born Kevin Ferguson, rose from internet street-fighting celebrity to become a professional mixed martial artist and boxer. His journey from backyard brawls to the UFC octagon captivated combat sports fans worldwide. He died suddenly in 2016 at age 42, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to draw searches from those curious about his record, his family, and the circumstances of his death.

Slice remains one of the most searched fighter personalities in MMA history. Questions about his real name, his UFC record, his cause of death, and his family members consistently appear in search results. The following article provides a comprehensive look at the facts available from official sources, news reports, and combat sports databases.

Who Was Kimbo Slice? Real Name and Background

Kimbo Slice was the ring name of Kevin Ferguson, a Bahamian-American fighter who became famous through viral street-fighting videos before moving into MMA and boxing. He was born on February 8, 1974 in Nassau, Bahamas and was raised in South Florida.

Before his fighting career took off, Ferguson worked as a limo driver, a strip-club bouncer, and a bodyguard. Those jobs kept him in shape and gave him the kind of real-world toughness that would later translate into his public persona.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Kimbo Slice rose to fame via internet street fighting videos before transitioning to professional MMA.
• He held a professional MMA record of 6-2-0 (1 NC) and a boxing record of 7-1.
• His cause of death was heart failure due to cardiomyopathy, as confirmed by the medical examiner.
• He was survived by six children, including a son named Kevin Ferguson Jr. who also became an MMA fighter.
• His UFC run was brief, compiling a 1–1 record in the promotion.
• He was listed at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds during his fighting career.
• His real name was Kevin Ferguson, making him one of the few fighters known almost exclusively by a nickname.

Snapshot Facts: Physical Stats and Career Records

How Did Kimbo Slice Die? Cause of Death and Age

Kimbo Slice died on June 6, 2016 at the age of 42. He was taken to a hospital in South Miami, Florida, where he was pronounced dead. Initial reports stated that the cause was unclear and that no foul play was suspected.

Later reporting and the official medical examiner’s report identified congestive heart failure as the cause of death. An autopsy also noted a mass on his liver. The official cause was determined to be heart failure due to left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy, as confirmed by the medical examiner’s office.

Where Did He Die?

Slice died in Margate, Florida, though some sources initially reported the location as South Miami. He was 42 years old at the time of his death.

Was Steroid Use a Factor?

Some rumors about steroid use circulated after his death, partly because Slice had tested positive for anabolic steroids following his fight with Dada 5000 earlier that year. However, the official cause of death did not mention performance-enhancing drugs as a contributing factor. The medical examiner attributed his heart failure to natural causes related to cardiomyopathy.

Kimbo Slice UFC Record and MMA Career

Kimbo Slice fought in multiple promotions including EliteXC, Bellator, and the UFC. His professional MMA career spanned from 2007 to 2016. Sources agree his UFC run was brief, and ESPN and ABC News report a 1–1 UFC record.

UFC Career Details

Slice signed with the UFC in 2009 and appeared on Season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter. His official UFC debut came at UFC 113 in Montreal, where he won a decision victory against Houston Alexander. He then lost to Matt Mitrione at the same event. After that loss, Slice took a long break from MMA competition.

Overall MMA Record

His overall professional MMA record is reported as 5–2 in major obituaries, though Wikipedia lists an earlier subtotal of 4–2 before later bouts were added. The more complete record, including his final fight, stands at 6–2 with 1 No Contest. The no-contest came from his 2016 Bellator fight against Dada 5000, which was overturned after Slice tested positive for anabolic steroids and an elevated testosterone ratio.

Boxing Career

From 2011 to 2013, Slice also boxed professionally. He compiled a record of 7–0 with 6 knockouts, facing opponents that included Ray Mercer in an exhibition bout and James Thompson in another exhibition.

Kimbo Slice Wife, Son, and Net Worth

Details about Kimbo Slice’s personal life are less thoroughly documented than his fighting career. The available information comes from news reports at the time of his death and biographical sources.

Wife and Marriage

Sources indicate that Slice was married to a woman named Missy. However, the exact timeline of their marriage, separation, or divorce is not fully public. The search results do not provide a confirmed maiden name or detailed public records about the relationship.

Children and Son Kevin Ferguson Jr.

Kimbo Slice was survived by six children, including three sons. One of his sons, Kevin Ferguson Jr., is publicly known and also became an MMA fighter. He made his professional MMA debut in 2016, the same year his father died. Ferguson Jr. has continued to compete in various promotions, carrying on the family name in combat sports.

Net Worth at Time of Death

A reliable net worth figure for Kimbo Slice is not available from official sources. Unofficial estimates vary widely, with some suggesting a range of $100,000 to $500,000 at the time of his death. These numbers remain unverified and should be treated as speculative. No official financial disclosure or probate record has been made public.

What Was the Career Timeline of Kimbo Slice?

1. 1974: Born Kevin Ferguson on February 8 in Nassau, Bahamas. His family later moves to Miami, Florida.
2. 2003: Begins uploading street fighting videos that go viral online, making him one of the earliest internet-famous fighters.
3. 2007: Makes professional MMA debut in EliteXC.
4. 2008: Fights in EliteXC main events, winning against James Thompson and Ken Shamrock.
5. 2008–2009: Faces legal issues, including an assault conviction that briefly threatens his career momentum.
6. 2009: Signs with the UFC and appears on Season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter.
7. 2010: UFC debut at UFC 113 – wins by decision against Houston Alexander, then loses to Matt Mitrione.
8. 2011–2013: Shifts to professional boxing, going undefeated in seven fights with six knockouts.
9. 2016: Fights Dada 5000 in Bellator; result later changed to a no-contest due to a failed drug test.
10. June 6, 2016: Dies at age 42 in Margate, Florida. Cause of death: heart failure due to cardiomyopathy.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Kimbo Slice?

What Was Kimbo Slice’s Significance in Combat Sports?

Kimbo Slice represents a unique crossover from internet celebrity to legitimate combat sports figure. His grassroots popularity challenged traditional MMA pathways and influenced the rise of viral fighters who came after him. CBS, ABC, and ESPN all emphasize that his rise from street fights to mainstream fame was unusual and influential in early viral combat-sports culture.

His cause of death — cardiomyopathy — is often linked to long-term heart stress, a condition common among heavyweight fighters who undergo years of intense training and competition. The diagnosis brought renewed attention to the cardiovascular risks associated with combat sports at the heavyweight level.

His legacy includes both the controversy of his street-fighting origins and his role in bringing diverse audiences to MMA. For many casual fans, Kimbo Slice was the first fighter they could name who came from outside the traditional wrestling or martial arts background.

What Do Official Sources Say About Kimbo Slice?

“Kevin Ferguson (February 8, 1974 – June 6, 2016), better known as Kimbo Slice, was a Bahamian-American mixed martial artist, professional boxer, and actor.”

— Wikipedia

“American mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Kimbo Slice has died aged 42. The fighter was taken to a hospital in South Miami, Florida, on Monday.”

— BBC News

“Cause of death was heart failure due to left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy.”

— Medical Examiner (via BBC)

What Is the Lasting Legacy of Kimbo Slice?

Kimbo Slice’s story remains a notable chapter in the history of combat sports. He showed that a fighter could enter the sport through the internet rather than through a gym, a path that has since been attempted by many but never quite duplicated. No ongoing legal cases are associated with his estate, and the topic is static. Content about his life and career should remain evergreen for MMA biography searches, with potential updates only if his son Kevin Ferguson Jr. achieves notable success in the sport. Readers interested in profiles of other public figures may also find the biography of Vin Diesel – Status, Age, Net Worth and Family relevant, or want to read about Luke Littler Grand Slam Darts – Youngest World No. 1 Ever for a look at another athlete who rose to fame through viral-level attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kimbo Slice