Who Is Kimbo Slice? Age, Biography and Wiki
Kimbo Slice, whose real name was Kevin Ferguson, was born on February 8, 1974, in Nassau, Bahamas. He gained fame as a street fighter before transitioning to a successful mixed martial arts (MMA) career. Slice’s robust personality and charismatic presence earned him a dedicated following. He made a significant impact in the MMA world until his untimely death in June 2016. At the time of his passing, he was 42 years old, but his legacy continues to influence aspiring fighters.
| Occupation | Martial Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 8, 1974 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Nassau, Bahamas |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Bahamas |
| Date of death | 6 June, 2016 |
| Died Place | Margate, Florida, U.S. |
Popularity
Kimbo Slice's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Kimbo Slice stood at an impressive height of 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and weighed around 265 pounds (120 kg) during his fighting career. His athletic build and strength were key attributes that made him a formidable opponent in the ring. His measurements further highlighted his powerful physique, complementing his skills as a mixed martial artist.
Slice fought Bo Cantrell, 10–9, at EliteXC: Renegade. He was originally set to make his professional MMA debut against Mike Bourke, a reformed street fighter, but a shoulder injury from Bourke led him to face Bo Cantrell.
Slice defeated Cantrell 19 seconds into the first round by submission due to strikes, landing a variety of elbows and body punches, after Cantrell failed to land a spinning back fist.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Kimbo Slice was primarily known for his professional life, he was also a family man. He had a long-term partner, Aisha (though it is unclear if they were married, they shared a deep connection). Together, they raised a large family, including six children, many of whom have expressed pride in their father's legacy. Kimbo often shared glimpses of his family life on social media, emphasizing the importance of family in his life.
He moved to the U.S. as a child and grew up in Cutler Ridge, Florida. He was raised with his brother Devon and sister Renea by his mother Rosemary Clarke. He went to Bel-Air Elementary School, where he was reportedly involved in his first fight with fellow student Dominic Sauer at the age of 13 as he tried to defend a friend.
Ferguson continued his studies at Cutler Ridge Middle School and later attended Richmond Heights Middle School. He attended Miami Palmetto High School, where he was the star middle linebacker. In 1992, his house in Perrine, Florida was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew, forcing him to live in his 1987 Nissan Pathfinder for a month.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Kimbo Slice had an estimated net worth of $500,000. His earnings were largely derived from his successful MMA career, celebrity boxing matches, and various endorsement deals. Known for his engaging personality and charisma, Kimbo also dabbled in acting, further adding to his income. Despite his financial struggles earlier in life, he made significant contributions to his family's well-being during his career.
On October 4, 2008, a Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock fight was supposed to take place at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida as part of CBS' Saturday Night Fights. However, Shamrock received a cut to the left eye during a warm-up only hours before the fight was to take place.
This left the head of fight operations, Jeremy Lappen, to choose a replacement for the fight. Options were Seth Petruzelli, Aaron Rosa and Frank Shamrock. Slice's team stated they did not want him fighting Frank no matter how much money was offered to them, so Lappen decided that Petruzelli was the best option for the main event.
Slice agreed to take the fight after receiving a raise in pay, and took in $500,000. Petruzelli defeated Slice by TKO 14 seconds into the first round of the bout.
Career, Business & Investments
Kimbo Slice’s career began with viral street fighting videos that garnered millions of views on the internet. His transition to professional MMA saw him fight in renowned promotions such as EliteXC and the UFC. Kimbo also participated in the reality television show "The Ultimate Fighter," where he showcased his determination and fighting spirit.
Apart from fighting, Slice explored business ventures, including a gym and fitness-related endeavors, capitalizing on his fame to inspire others. His charisma and approachable demeanor made him a sought-after figure in various entertainment industries.
Ferguson started working as a bouncer for a strip club until high school friend and career-long manager, Mike Imber, offered him a job as a limousine driver and bodyguard for RK Netmedia, better known as Reality Kings, a Miami-based pornography production/promotion company responsible for a number of popular adult subscription websites.
Ferguson maintained close ties with Reality Kings throughout the rest of his life; company representatives accompanied him, as his fight entourage, under the name Team Kimbo.
Social Network
Kimbo Slice was very active on social media platforms, such as Instagram and Twitter, where he connected with fans and shared updates about his life and career. His social media presence played a crucial role in maintaining his popularity even after his passing. A tribute page continues to celebrate his legacy with posts highlighting his greatest moments and contributions to the sport.
Slice and Mercer fought at Cage Fury Fighting Championships 5, in Atlantic City on June 23, 2007. Slice defeated Mercer with a guillotine choke at 1:12 into the first round. CFFC V sold 20,000 ppv buys. In a post-fight interview, Slice stated that he would like to fight David "Tank" Abbott.
Abbott, who was a spectator, stood up from his seat and accepted the call out. One of the matchmakers for CFFC asked Slice for his assurance so that an October 12 bout at Cage Fury Fighting Championships 6 between Slice and "Tank" Abbott could be organized. This event was later canceled due to a promotion dispute.
On October 11, 2007, ProElite announced that they had signed Slice to a deal and that he would make his professional debut on the November 10, 2007 EliteXC.
Education
Though details of Kimbo Slice’s formal education are somewhat sparse, he attended Broward Community College in Florida, where he pursued an interest in criminal justice. His background in street fighting and personal experiences added to his character, showcasing resilience and determination. Kimbo's journey from the streets to the MMA octagon remains an inspiring tale for many fans and aspiring fighters.
Ferguson attended both Bethune–Cookman University and the University of Miami, where he was awarded an athletic scholarship and studied criminal justice but dropped out after a year and a half.
