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Kimbo Slice: MMA fighter dies at the age of 42

MMA star: Kimbo Slice died aged 42

Rex

Jamie Bullen

7 June 2016

Mixed Martial Arts fighter Kimbo Slice has died at the age of 42.

The fighter was taken to hospital on Monday near his home in Coral Springs, Florida where he died a short time later.

The cause of his death is unknown at this stage.

Kimbo, real name Kevin Ferguson, was signed with Bellator MMA who confirmed his death after rumours began to surface online.

Bellator president Scott Coker described him as one of the most popular MMA fighters of all time who “transcended” the sport.

Tragic: MMA star Kimbo Slice (right) has died aged 42. Pictured here fighting James Thompson in New Jersey

AP Photo/Rich Schultz

Mr Coker said: “We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating 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."

He last fought in February where he defeated opponent Dada 5000 only for the win to be overturned after he tested positive for a banned steroid.

He was due to headline another Bellator MMA event in London next month.

Mr Slice became widely known to fight fans after videos of his street brawls where he destroyed opponents in unsanctioned bouts started to appear online in 2003.

He later signed a deal to compete in the UFC.

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Kimbo Slice: MMA fighter dies at the age of 42

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