While he went 5-2 and never won a championship belt, Slice became one of MMA’s best-known figures, attracting large television audiences and crowds to his growing sport. With Slice and pioneering featherweight Gina Carano as the top attractions, EliteXC’s two CBS shows drew big television ratings and introduced millions of viewers to MMA. Slice was the star of the first MMA show broadcast on network television, beating Thompson by third-round knockout in May 2008 on CBS with the defunct EliteXC promotion. “The ATT Family and South Florida community lost a legend today,” the team said in a post on its Twitter account. Slice was scheduled to headline the Bellator 158 show in London next month in a bout against James Thompson.Īmerican Top Team, the prominent South Florida gym where Slice trained for many years, also mourned his passing. His loss leaves us all with extremely heavy hearts.” Outside of the cage he was a friendly, gentle giant and a devoted family man. “One of the most popular MMA fighters ever, Kimbo was a charismatic, larger-than-life personality that transcended the sport. “We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice,” Coker said. Slice beat Dhaffir “Dada 5000” Harris with a third-round knockout at Bellator 149 in February in Houston, but the result was overturned after Slice tested positive for steroid use. Slice’s death also was confirmed by Scott Coker, the CEO of Bellator, which promoted his return to MMA last year after a five-year absence. He studied MMA and eventually competed in several promotions, including the UFC and Bellator, which staged his two most recent fights.

Videos of his violent knockout victories in those bouts became wildly popular online, both for his punching power and his distinctive, intimidating appearance. Slice was a Bahamian-born ex-football player and strip club bouncer who began competing in unsanctioned street fights in 2003.

Kmiotek said there is no active police investigation, and no foul play is suspected. “We lost our brother today,” Imber said in a text message to the Associated Press. Slice’s death was confirmed by Mike Imber, his longtime manager.

Kimbo slice back yard fight