Kimbo Slice, Viral Internet Sensation and MMA Fighter, Dead at 42: Stars React

The athlete died unexpectedly from unknown causes as of yet

The world has sadly lost yet another athlete. 

Just days after the death of boxer Muhammad Ali, undefeated boxer and mixed martial artist Kimbo Slice passed away at 42 years old on Monday, the UFC and Bellator MMA announced in statements. No cause of death has been revealed as of yet, though Slice was reportedly hospitalized in Florida on Monday.

"We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family," Scott Coker, president of Bellator MMA said in a statement. Slice had been under contract with the company from January 2015 up until his untimely death. "One of the most popular MMA fighters ever,  Kimbo was a charismatic, larger-than-life personality that transcended the sport."

Originally named Kevin Ferguson, the famously bearded athlete originally worked as a bodyguard and bouncer while rising to viral fame online as an underground fighter. By 2007, he had attracted enough attention to be signed to a professional contract. 

After his loss to fellow MMA fighter Seth Petruzelli in 2008, Slice went on to win The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights in 2009 and competed in the 2010 UFC against Matt Mitrione, to whom he lost by total knockout. 

After a short hiatus from the sport, Slice signed with Bellator MMA and continued to win fights, though in February 2016, he failed a pre-fight drug test and his fight against Dada 5000 was ruled a no contest. The athlete was slated to fight James Thompson in London on July 16. 

Meanwhile, the Bahamas native also dabbled in boxing, acquiring an undefeated record through seven fights. He also famously appeared in several films, including The Scorpion King 3. 

"While he will never be forgotten for his fighting style and transcendent image, Slice will also be remembered for his warm personality and commitment to his family and friends," the UFC wrote in a statement. 

"Outside of the cage he was a friendly, gentle giant and a devoted family man. His loss leaves us all with extremely heavy hearts," Coker added. 

Slice is survived by his girlfriend Antoinette Ray and six children, one of which is a MMA fighter. 

Celebrity admirers and colleagues flocked to social media to pay their respects to the industry legend.