Kimbo Slice: Death, Net Worth, UFC Record

Kimbo Slice, born Kevin Ferguson, went from brawling in unsanctioned street fights that went viral online to headlining UFC events and inspiring a generation of fighters, but when he died suddenly in 2016 at age 42, the cause—traumatic heart failure—raised questions about the long-term toll of a combat career that mixed backyard brawls with professional bouts. Here’s what we know about his life, record, net worth, and legacy.

Full name: Kevin Ferguson ·
Born: February 8, 1974 ·
Died: June 6, 2016 (age 42) ·
MMA record: 5 wins, 2 losses, 1 no contest ·
Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) ·
Net worth at death: Approximately $500,000

Nine data points sum up the core details of Kimbo Slice’s life and career.

The implication: the fighter who looked invincible on the pavement ended his days in a hospital bed, his body worn by years of battles both legal and otherwise.

What did Kimbo Slice pass away from?

Cause of death: heart failure

• Kimbo Slice died of traumatic heart failure on June 6, 2016, according to ESPN.
• Hospital records cited congestive heart failure and a liver mass during his final stay (CBS12).
• Police said no foul play was suspected (CBS12). Trauma and illicit drug use were not considered factors (Los Angeles Sentinel).

Hospitalization and final hours

• He was taken to a hospital in Margate, Florida, near his home (ESPN).
• Before admission he complained of severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and nausea (Los Angeles Sentinel).
• His family was told he would need a heart transplant, but he died before a planned transfer to the Cleveland Clinic could happen (CBS12; ESPN).

Autopsy and official report

• The official cause of death was ruled heart failure; no autopsy results have been publicly released with further specifics (ESPN).

The pattern: early heart failure in a combat athlete underscores the hidden costs of repeated physical punishment.

Did Kimbo Slice ever lose a fight?

Professional MMA losses

• Kimbo Slice lost twice in sanctioned MMA: to Seth Petruzelli at EliteXC in 2008 (ESPN) and to Matt Mitrione at UFC on Fox 13 in 2015 (Wikipedia).
• His fight against Ken Shamrock was initially a win but later overturned to a no contest after a failed drug test (Wikipedia).

Street fight record

• Kimbo Slice never lost an unsanctioned street fight; his backyard brawls are widely considered undefeated (CNN).

Boxing match outcomes

• In professional boxing, he went 7-0 with all wins by knockout (Wikipedia).

What this means: Kimbo Slice’s undefeated street reputation masked a physical fragility that ultimately ended his life.

How much was Kimbo Slice worth when he died?

Net worth estimate at death

• Kimbo Slice’s net worth at the time of his death was approximately $500,000 (Wikipedia).

Income sources: fighting, acting, endorsements

• He earned purses from EliteXC, Bellator, and the UFC, as well as from exhibition boxing and cameo roles in films and TV shows (ESPN).

Financial struggles and legal issues

• Kimbo faced a lawsuit from a former manager and had reported financial difficulties despite his fame (Los Angeles Sentinel).

The implication: Kimbo Slice’s financial legacy was modest relative to his fame, and his health was the ultimate cost.

Who is the only man to never bleed in the UFC?

Royce Gracie’s claim

• Royce Gracie has been described as never having bled in a UFC fight, a claim rooted in his dominant early performances (Wikipedia).

UFC history and bleeding

• The claim is debated and not officially verified by the UFC or medical records. Fighters like Matt Hughes and Georges St-Pierre have also rarely bled, but no official “never bled” statistic exists (ESPN).

Context of the statement

• The phrase likely originates from a fan discussion or an anecdote, not an official UFC record (Wikipedia).

The pattern: unverified claims persist in MMA lore, and Kimbo Slice’s own durability remains contested in comparison.

Who would win, Kimbo Slice or Mike Tyson?

Prime Mike Tyson vs. prime Kimbo Slice

• Most analysts give a prime Mike Tyson a decisive advantage in a boxing ring due to Tyson’s superior speed, power, and technique (ESPN).

Boxing vs. MMA rules

• Under MMA rules, a prime Kimbo Slice would have more tools (kicks, grappling), but Tyson never competed in MMA and would be at a disadvantage (Wikipedia).

Expert opinions and hypotheticals

• No official fight ever occurred between them. The hypothetical remains a fan debate with no definitive answer (ESPN).

What this means: Kimbo Slice’s legacy is measured not by hypothetical wins but by his improbable rise from the streets to the UFC.

Timeline of Kimbo Slice’s career

• 1974: Born in Nassau, Bahamas (ESPN)
• 2003: First street fight video goes viral (CNN)
• 2007: Professional MMA debut (Wikipedia)
• 2008: Fights in EliteXC; loses to Seth Petruzelli (ESPN)
• 2011: Professional boxing debut (Wikipedia)
• 2015: UFC debut; wins via submission (ESPN)
• June 6, 2016: Dies of heart failure at age 42 (ESPN)

The implication: Kimbo Slice’s career was a fast rise and a faster end, a cautionary tale about the price of fame in combat sports.

What we know vs. what’s unclear

Voices on Kimbo Slice

“I’m not a street fighter—I’m a fighter that started in the streets.”

— Kimbo Slice, as quoted by CNN

“Kimbo was a phenomenon. He was one of the most talked-about fighters in the world.”

— Dana White, UFC president, via ESPN

“He was a loving father and a great person. We will miss him dearly.”

— Family statement, as reported by CBS12

The implication: Kimbo Slice was both a combat sports icon and a father, a duality that defined his legacy.

For fans of combat sports, Kimbo Slice’s story is a reminder that even the most fearsome fighters can face hidden vulnerabilities. The implication for aspiring fighters: the transition from street brawling to professional ranks requires not just skill, but careful health management. For the sport itself, Kimbo’s legacy is a cautionary tale about the price of toughness.