Kimbo Slice: Death, MMA Career, Net Worth, and Legacy
It’s hard to think of another fighter who rose from backyard brawls to the UFC’s biggest stage quite like Kimbo Slice. When he died at 42 from heart failure, the shockwaves went far beyond the MMA world—and the full story of his finances, his fights, and his personality still surprises fans today.
Full name: Kevin Ferguson ·
Born: February 8, 1974 ·
Died: June 6, 2016 (aged 42) ·
MMA record: 5 wins (4 KO/TKO), 2 losses, 1 no contest ·
Net worth at death: Approximately $500,000
Quick snapshot
- Died on June 6, 2016 from heart failure (ABC7 News (California ABC affiliate))
- Professional MMA record: 5 wins, 2 losses, 1 no contest (Sherdog (MMA statistics database))
- Lost to Matt Mitrione at UFC 113, leading to UFC release (Sherdog (MMA news and analysis))
- Exact total earnings from street fighting and viral videos are unknown
- Whether he would have beaten Mike Tyson in a prime matchup remains speculative
- Full details of his financial debts are not documented
- His story continues to be referenced in MMA documentaries and retrospectives
- Unresolved questions about his net worth and health remain topics of discussion
Eight key facts about Kimbo Slice, from his birth to his net worth:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Kevin Ferguson |
| Born | February 8, 1974 |
| Died | June 6, 2016 |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Weight | 235 lb (107 kg) |
| MMA record | 5 wins (4 KO/TKO), 2 losses, 1 no contest |
| Boxing record | 7 wins (7 KOs), 0 losses |
| Net worth at death | Estimated $500,000 |
What did Kimbo Slice pass away from?
Kimbo Slice passed away on June 6, 2016, at age 42. ABC7 News reported that the initial cause was unclear and police did not suspect foul play. However, ESPN (sports media giant) later reported that Slice had been awaiting a heart transplant. Subsequent biographies and Wikipedia (community encyclopedia) describe his death as heart failure due to congestive heart failure.
Heart failure and hospitalisation
Slice had been hospitalized shortly before his death for similar cardiac issues, according to ABC7 News. Despite the earlier uncertainty, heart failure remains the official cause cited by multiple outlets.
What this means: The cause is settled, though some questions about his final days remain.
Did Kimbo Slice ever lose a fight?
MMA record overview
- According to Sherdog (MMA statistics database), his professional MMA record is 5 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no-contest.
- Four of his wins came by knockout or TKO.
Notable losses in professional MMA
His two professional losses were to Seth Petruzelli at EliteXC (2008) and to Matt Mitrione at UFC 113 (2010). The loss to Mitrione led to his release from the UFC, as reported by ABC7 News.
Street fight losses
Slice’s notoriety began with unsanctioned street fights starting around 2003, according to ABC7 News. While he won many of those brawls, no verifiable record of street fight losses exists.
The pattern: His official losses exposed limitations that his street brawls never did.
Why did Kimbo Slice get cut from UFC?
UFC release reasons
Slice was released from the UFC in 2010 after his loss to Matt Mitrione at UFC 113. ABC7 News confirmed the loss and subsequent release.
Performance and contract issues
UFC President Dana White commented on the release, citing performance issues and a failure to meet pay-per-view expectations. Sources close to the promotion noted that Slice’s drawing power had diminished after the EliteXC collapse.
Backlash from fight night controversy
The EliteXC fight against Seth Petruzelli in 2008 also generated negative press, as some fans felt Slice was exposed as a limited fighter once matched with a solid opponent. However, the UFC cut was primarily driven by the Mitrione loss and promotional concerns.
The catch: His drawing power faded faster than his legend.
How much was Kimbo Slice worth when he died?
Net worth estimate
At the time of his death, Kimbo Slice’s net worth was estimated at around $500,000, according to TheRichest (celebrity net worth data) and BlackFacts (cultural history site).
Earnings from street fighting, MMA, boxing, and acting
Slice earned millions during his early career from viral street fights, clothing lines, and his MMA fights. His boxing career between 2011 and 2013 also contributed, with seven wins all by knockout, as reported by ABC7 News.
Financial struggles and debts
Despite early earnings, legal issues and personal expenses reduced his wealth. The exact amount of his debts is not publicly documented, making the $500,000 estimate a rough figure.
The implication: The money from viral stardom was not enough to secure his long-term financial future.
Was Kimbo Slice a nice guy?
Personality and public image
Those who knew him described Kimbo Slice as a gentle giant. Fellow fighter Roy Nelson called him “a nice guy” and “a gentle giant” in interviews, contrasting sharply with his fearsome street-fighting videos.
Interviews and quotes from peers
He was always smiling, always respectful. The guy you saw on YouTube wasn’t the guy I knew in the locker room.
— Roy Nelson, former UFC heavyweight
Charitable work and family man reputation
Slice was active in his community and known as a devoted father to his six children. The contradiction between his street brawler persona and his real-life character is one of the most enduring aspects of his legacy.
The pattern: The contrast between public persona and private reality defined his legacy.
A side-by-side look at Kimbo Slice’s two combat sports careers reveals contrasting records: one with losses, one unbeaten.
| Aspect | MMA | Boxing |
|---|---|---|
| Years active | 2006–2013 | 2011–2013 |
| Record | 5 wins, 2 losses, 1 NC | 7 wins, 0 losses |
| KO/TKO percentage | 80% (4/5 wins) | 100% (7/7 wins) |
| Promotions | EliteXC, UFC, Bellator | Various local circuits |
| Final fight date | February 19, 2016 (Tapology (MMA fight database)) | August 13, 2013 |
Kimbo Slice’s physical and career specifications paint the picture of a heavyweight who could dominate when conditions favored him.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Kevin Ferguson |
| Date of birth | February 8, 1974 |
| Place of birth | Nassau, Bahamas |
| Date of death | June 6, 2016 |
| Cause of death | Heart failure (congestive heart failure) |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Weight | 235 lb (107 kg) |
| MMA record | 5-2-1 (4 KOs) |
| Boxing record | 7-0 (7 KOs) |
| UFC record | 1-1 |
| Estimated net worth | $500,000 |
| Notable wins | Bo Cantrell, James Thompson, Houston Alexander, Ken Shamrock |
| Notable losses | Seth Petruzelli, Matt Mitrione |
Kimbo Slice career timeline
- : Born Kevin Ferguson in Nassau, Bahamas (Sherdog).
- : Began unsanctioned street fights that gained viral fame (ABC7 News).
- : Professional MMA debut with EliteXC (Sherdog).
- : Lost to Seth Petruzelli; EliteXC folds (Sherdog).
- : UFC debut and loss to Matt Mitrione; cut from UFC (ABC7 News).
- : Boxing debut; wins seven straight by KO (ABC7 News).
- : Final MMA fight (KO of Shane Tilyard in Australia, per Sherdog).
- : Dies of heart failure at age 42 (ABC7 News).
Separating fact from speculation
The lines between confirmed reporting and later embellishment are blurry in Kimbo Slice’s story.
Confirmed facts
- Death from heart failure on June 6, 2016 (ABC7 News).
- MMA record of 5 wins, 2 losses, 1 NC (Sherdog).
- Cut from UFC after loss to Mitrione (ABC7 News).
- Net worth estimated at $500,000 at death (TheRichest).
- Known as a kind person outside the ring (ABC7 News citing Roy Nelson).
What’s unclear
- Exact total earnings from street fighting and viral videos.
- Whether he would have beaten Mike Tyson in a prime matchup.
- Full extent of his financial debts.
- Complete details of his health before death.
- Circumstances of his hospital stay prior to death.
Voices from those who knew him
Our family is devastated by the loss of our beloved Kimbo. He was a loving father, brother, and friend. We ask for privacy as we grieve.
— Family statement released after his death
Kimbo was a nice guy, a gentle giant. The whole internet saw him as this monster, but that wasn’t the real him.
— Roy Nelson, former UFC heavyweight
He just wasn’t performing at the level we needed. It was a business decision.
— Dana White, UFC President (commenting on the release)
Related reading: Christy Martin: Boxing Career, Attack & Biopic
For a deeper look at his journey from street brawler to UFC star, explore the full arc of Kimbo Slices life.
Frequently asked questions
What was Kimbo Slice’s real name?
His real name was Kevin Ferguson.
How tall was Kimbo Slice?
He was 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) tall.
How many fights did Kimbo Slice have in UFC?
He had two fights in the UFC: one win (over Houston Alexander) and one loss (to Matt Mitrione).
Did Kimbo Slice ever box professionally?
Yes, he had a professional boxing career between 2011 and 2013, compiling a record of 7 wins, 0 losses, all by knockout.
Why did Kimbo Slice become famous?
He gained fame through viral YouTube videos of his street fights in the early 2000s, which led to a career in MMA and boxing.
Who was Kimbo Slice’s wife?
He was married to Antoinette Cottrell, and the couple had several children together.
For young fighters who see viral fame as a fast track to the pros, Kimbo Slice’s story is a stark reminder that internet stardom doesn’t guarantee longevity—either in the ring or in the bank. For another look at a fighter’s life after the spotlight, see Christy Martin: Boxing Career, Attack & Biopic.
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