Kevin Ferguson, famously known as Kimbo Slice, emerged as a prominent figure in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) not through traditional channels but via the raw and unfiltered arena of underground fighting. His rise to fame began with viral videos showcasing his extraordinary knockout power and aggressive fighting style. These street brawls, which were often brutally compelling, catapulted him into the spotlight and earned him a place in the professional MMA world.
Despite lacking formal training in martial arts, Kimbo Slice quickly became a household name due to his electrifying performances and charismatic persona. His fights, though not always marked by technical finesse, captivated audiences with their sheer intensity and frequent knockouts. Kimbo Slice’s background was rooted in sports from a young age; he attended Miami Palmetto Senior High School where he excelled in both football and track.
Tragically, Kimbo Slice passed away in 2016, but his legacy endures. His impact on MMA remains significant, particularly among fans who continue to remember him for his larger-than-life personality and the dramatic flair he brought to the sport.
Biography
| Fighter Name | Kimbo Slice |
| Kimbo Slice Net Worth | $5 Million |
| MMA Record | 5-2-0 (1 NC) |
| Height | 6′ 2″ |
| Weight Class | Middleweight |
| Reach | 77″ |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Date Of Birth | Feb 08, 1974 |
Early life
Birth and Family Background
Kimbo Slice, whose birth name was Kevin Ferguson, entered the world on February 8, 1974, in Nassau, The Bahamas. He was raised in a supportive family environment by his mother, Rosemary Ferguson, and his stepfather, Peter Young. Growing up in a close-knit household, Kimbo was surrounded by his siblings: his brothers Kevin and Maurice, and his sisters Kendra and Roselyn. This familial support provided a foundation for his future endeavors and shaped his early experiences.
Early Interests and School Life
Kimbo Slice’s path to becoming a martial artist was marked by his natural inclination towards physical confrontation and protective instincts. At the age of 13, he engaged in his first schoolyard fight when he stepped in to defend a friend. This early display of fighting skills and courage foreshadowed his later success in the combat sports arena. His actions during these formative years revealed a burgeoning talent and a propensity for physical engagement, setting the stage for his future career.
Education and Academic Pursuits
Despite his early interest in fighting, Kimbo Slice pursued academic interests that diverged from his future in martial arts. He received scholarships to study criminal justice, reflecting his initial aspirations beyond the fighting world. Kimbo attended Bethune-Cookman University before transferring to the University of Miami. His academic pursuits were an integral part of his development, showcasing a dedication to building a well-rounded background, even as his path eventually led him back to combat sports
Career
Early Career and Reality Kings
Before entering the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), Kimbo Slice worked as a bouncer. His friend Mike Imber helped him get a job with Reality Kings, an adult film company in Miami, marking his initial step into the public eye.
Legal Troubles and Early Street Fights
In 2002, Kimbo faced legal trouble for carrying a concealed weapon. By 2003, he started engaging in street fights for fun, with videos of these fights going viral. His fierce style and a particularly brutal fight earned him the nickname “Slice.”
Adopting the Name ‘Kimbo Slice
Combining his street name “Kimbo” and his new moniker “Slice,” he became Kimbo Slice. His fame grew after a widely viewed fight against Sean Gannon, a former police officer and MMA fighter, despite losing the match.
Professional MMA Debut
Kimbo made his professional MMA debut on June 23, 2007, at Cage Fury Fighting Championships against Ray Mercer. He won in the first round with a guillotine choke, marking a strong start to his MMA career.
Rise to Fame with ProElite
Kimbo signed with ProElite after his debut. He quickly defeated Bo Cantrell in 19 seconds, solidifying his reputation. Throughout his rise, his friend Mike Imber was instrumental in managing and promoting his career.
Personal life
Marriage and Family
Kimbo Slice, born Kevin Ferguson, married L. Shontae Ferguson in May 1994. Their union was blessed with three children: RaeChelle, Kevin II, and Kevinah. As a father, Kimbo was deeply committed to his children, providing them with love and support. He took great pride in his family and cherished the time he spent with them, striving to be a positive and nurturing presence in their lives.
Grandchildren
In addition to his role as a father, Kimbo Slice was also a proud grandfather. He had three grandsons and a granddaughter who brought immense joy and fulfillment to his life. Being a grandfather added a new and enriching dimension to his family responsibilities, allowing him to share his wisdom and experiences with a younger generation. His grandchildren were a significant source of happiness and pride for him.
Engagement
At the time of his death, Kimbo was engaged to his long-time love, Antionette Ray. Their relationship was marked by a deep and enduring bond that had stood the test of time. Kimbo and Antionette shared a strong connection, built on mutual respect and affection. Their engagement was a testament to their lasting love and commitment to each other, highlighting the personal side of Kimbo Slice’s life beyond his public persona.
Kimbo Slice Wife
Kimbo Slice, born Kevin Ferguson, was married to Antoinette Ray, and together they had six children. Additionally, Kimbo had two children from a previous marriage, making him a devoted father of eight. Despite his challenging childhood, Kimbo prioritized his family, ensuring they were well cared for and loved. His home in Miami gained national attention when it was featured on MTV’s “Cribs” in 2007, showcasing a glimpse into his personal life and success.
Beyond his family, Kimbo was an avid car enthusiast. His impressive collection included a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and a Cadillac Escalade, among others. Kimbo frequently shared photos of his luxury cars on social media, giving his fans a peek into his passion for high-end vehicles and his lifestyle. His love for cars was another facet of his dynamic personality, reflecting his success and enjoyment of the finer things in life.
Kimbo Slice Children
Kimbo Slice, born Kevin Ferguson, was a famed mixed martial artist and boxer whose street fighting videos gained him widespread attention. He passed away in 2016, leaving behind four children. His eldest son, Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr., is pursuing a career in MMA, supported by his father’s estate. His three daughters are also supported financially, allowing them to honor their father’s legacy and pursue their dreams. Kimbo Slice’s influence continues through his children’s achievements.
Kimbo Slice Death
Kimbo Slice, born Kevin Ferguson, passed away at the age of 42 in 2016. His death was attributed to multiple instances of heart failure. Prior to his passing, Kimbo had been hospitalized due to a significant lump found on his liver. Although this lump was determined not to be cancerous, it was a serious concern.
Kimbo Slice was widely respected in the MMA community for his remarkable strength and indomitable willpower. His death was met with considerable sadness, as many fans and colleagues viewed him as a sports hero whose impact on the sport was profound. Medical experts have suggested that while the liver lump itself was not cancerous, it could have caused irritation and contributed to his heart failure, ultimately leading to his untimely death. Despite the circumstances, Kimbo Slice’s legacy endures through his contributions to mixed martial arts and the enduring admiration of his fans.
Net worth
At the time of his death, Kimbo Slice’s net worth was estimated at approximately $1 million, based on publicly available information. His earnings from his MMA career were a significant contributor to this figure, including his fight purses, sponsorship deals, and endorsements. Notably, Kimbo secured a lucrative contract in 2008 with EliteXC, which included a four-fight deal worth $500,000 per fight. This contract elevated him to one of the better-paid fighters in the sport.
In addition to his fighting career, Kimbo Slice also ventured into entertainment. He appeared in several movies and TV shows, including “The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption” and “The Ultimate Fighter Season 10,” which was later subtitled “Heavyweights.” During this season of the reality show, Kimbo worked alongside Roy Nelson, a seasoned UFC veteran known for his formidable striking power. These appearances added to his public profile and income.
Despite his diverse career ventures and notable earnings, Kimbo Slice’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $1 million, reflecting his successful but relatively short-lived career in both MMA and entertainment
FAQs
Q: Who is Kimbo Slice?
A: Kimbo Slice, born Kevin Ferguson, was a mixed martial artist and boxer famous for his viral street fighting videos and aggressive fighting style.
Q: What was Kimbo Slice’s net worth at the time of his death?
A: Kimbo Slice’s net worth was estimated at $1 million, including earnings from MMA, sponsorships, and entertainment ventures.
Q: What caused Kimbo Slice’s death?
A: Kimbo Slice died from heart failure at age 42. He had a significant liver lump, which, although not cancerous, may have contributed to his heart issues.
Q: What is Kimbo Slice’s legacy?
A: Kimbo Slice is remembered for his dramatic MMA performances and his larger-than-life personality, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
Q: Did Kimbo Slice have any children?
A: Yes, Kimbo Slice had four children. His eldest son, Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr., is pursuing MMA, and his other children are supported by his estate.
Conclusion
Kimbo Slice, a prominent MMA fighter known for his viral street fighting videos, achieved notable success despite lacking formal training. With a net worth of around $1 million at his death in 2016, his legacy endures through his significant impact on the sport and his family. His story highlights his dramatic rise and enduring influence in combat sports and entertainment.
Stay in touch for more updates and visitis: Clone Buzz!