Kimbo Slice, one of the most popular figures in the history of mixed martial arts, died Monday at the age of 42 years old. The cause of death is not yet known.
Slice, currently fighting under the Bellator MMA banner, was slated for a rematch against James Thompson at Bellator 158 next month in London. TMZ reported Monday that Slice, whose real name was Kevin Ferguson, was rushed to a Florida hospital and in dire condition.
Later Monday night, Bellator president Scott Coker released a statement on Slice's death. The full text is below:
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.