MMA Fighter Kimbo Slice Dead At 42

A fighter who helped bring mixed martial arts to the mainstream has died.

Kimbo Slice died Monday at a Florida hospital at the age of 42. No cause of death has been determined.

The news was confirmed by the CEO of Bellator MMA, who 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."

Kimbo's last bout took place in February at Bellator 149 when he defeated Dada 5000. That victory was later overturned when he was tested positive for an illegal steroid.

Kimbo was born Kevin Ferguson in the Bahamas, but grew up in South Florida. He first came to fame through a series of street-fighting videos, and made his professional MMA debut in 2007.

Source: ESPN.com