Fighter Profile: Kimbo Slice (Kevin Ferguson)

Hometown: Miami, FL

Height: 6’2” Weight: 235

Age: 35

Record: 4-1

Kimbo Slice is a former internet street fighting sensation turned mixed martial artist. Slice, whose real name is Kevin Ferguson, is currently associated with the UFC as a cast member on the tenth season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” In the past Slice has been linked to several camps, including working extensively with MMA legend Bas Rutten.

As a former college football player at Bethune-Cookman and later the University of Miami, Slice displayed his superior athleticism and unlimited potential early on. Kimbo eventually worked his way onto the 1997 pre-season roster of the Miami Dolphins as a defensive standout. However, the football experiment failed and Kimbo soon turned his attention in a much different direction.

Years later, Kimbo began to appear on computer screens as the You Tube fighting superstar. The fights began to gain a cult following, so popular that Kimbo’s opponents would have to put up a $25,000 amount in order to step toe-to-toe with him. One by one the opponents would fall, that is until he was matched up with Boston police officer, Sean Gannon. Gannon would be recognized as the only street fighter to stop Kimbo, even though Kimbo’s side would later argue that the “rules” of the fight were broken. It was that defeat that propelled Kimbo into the world of mixed martial arts.

His first true test was an exhibition MMA rules match versus former boxing champion, Ray Mercer for the CFFC in Atlantic City, NJ. Many doubts still surrounded Kimbo; however the doubts were extinguished when he choked Mercer out at 1:12 of the 1st round. Many began to take Kimbo serious, including major MMA promotions.

Kimbo was intriguing, so much that brand new Elite XC decided to take a chance on him in early 2007. His name began to gain even more steam later in the year, when it was announced that he would fight Bo Cantrell at Elite XC: Renegade. Kimbo gained much respect by making Cantrell quit via punches only 19 seconds into the fight.

Elite XC continued to market Slice as their lead man, even though he had only one amateur and one professional bout under his belt. Three months after his rookie victory Slice was in the cage again, this time against former UFC bad boy, David “Tank” Abbott. It took Kimbo 43 seconds to drop Abbott and claim his second stoppage victory in as many attempts.

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His May 2008 bout against Brit, James Thompson took his popularity to a whole new level, fighting for the first time on network TV with CBS. After a back and forth slugfest, referee Dan Mirgliotta stopped the bout 38 seconds into the 3rd round and handed Kimbo his third win in less than a year. Kimbo began to cash in on his rising stardom as well, receiving a six-figure salary for his efforts.

In October of 2008, Kimbo was scheduled to fight former UFC champion Ken Shamrock. Shamrock received a cut above his eye during pre fight warm-ups, so severe that he was not cleared to fight Kimbo in the main event. Seth Petruzelli took Shamrock’s place in what will be remembered as the final straw in the demise of Elite XC. Petruzelli would go on to stop Kimbo via TKO only 14 seconds into the bout.

After Kimbo’s first defeat, Elite XC used that as an excuse to fold operations. It was later reported that the organization was carrying a debt of nearly 45 million, even with the success of the network deal. Strikeforce would buy most of the remaining assets from Elite XC, including many of the fighters’ contracts. One contract that was not among the deal was that of Kimbo Slice. Many rumors began to circulate as to where Kimbo would wind up. It was first rumored that he would find success in Japan, much like K-1 kickboxer, Bob Sapp did before him. It was also rumored that he wanted to try his hand at boxing. Finally, in the summer of 2009 it was announced that Kimbo would be part of the TUF 10 cast exclusive to heavyweights.

Immediately, questions arose about the Kimbo joining forces with his once critical rival, Zuffa President Dana White. White dealt many critical comments in the past concerning the skills of Kimbo, however later opened the door when stating that Kimbo would only find his way into the organization through The Ultimate Fighter house. With taping already complete, many fans are eager to watch the next phase in the Kimbo Slice era take place. Win or lose, Kimbo has earned the respect of many by not giving up on his dream of becoming a better fighter.

Recent Kimbo Slice MMA News:

• September 24, 2009 - Kimbo Slice vs Roy "Big Country" Nelson set for TUF 10 Episode 3

• Defeated Houston Alexander by Unanimous Decision at the TUF 10 Finale on December 5, 2009 - The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale results

• Is expected to face Matt Mitrione at UFC 113 on May 8, 2010 - UFC 113 fight card & results

By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer
Published August 2009, Updated December 2009