Kimbo Slice Was Reportedly Awaiting a Heart Transplant Prior to His Death, Bellator and SpikeTV Airing One Hour Tribute to Slice

June 8, 2016

As noted, MMA fighter Kimbo Slice has passed away age the age of 42, and according to the Sun-Sentinel, Slice was admitted to Northwest Medical Center in Margate on Friday for abdominal pain and was diagnosed with heart failure. Slice later passed away at 7:30pm as doctors were preparing to transport him to Cleveland and place him on an organ donor list to receive a heart transplant.

Bellator and Spike TV announced that they’ll be airing a one-hour tribute to Kimbo on Friday, June 24 at 7 PM EST, and UFC issued the following release on Slice’s death:

UFC is saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Ferguson, known to fans around the world as Kimbo Slice.

Slice will forever be a part of UFC history as a contestant on season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2009, and for having fought twice inside the Octagon at The Ultimate Fighter Finale and UFC 113. He carried himself as a true professional during his time in our organization.

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.

UFC offers its sincere condolences to Slice’s family, friends and teammates at American Top Team.

Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.

Nick attended New York University and graduated in 2001 with a degree in Drama.

Nick first entered the internet wrestling community back in 2004 when he became the co-host of The Voice of Wrestling Radio Show. From there, Nick made the transition from radio personality to editor when he began working with WrestleZone in 2008.

Nick is a member of two Off-Broadway theatre companies, Another Urban Riff, and the Drama Desk Award winning Godlight Theatre Company. Nick has appeared in over a dozen Off-Broadway plays since he moved to New York City, and has shot several short and feature length films. In 2010, he completed principle photography on a film titled "How to Score Your Life," which also features TNA Knockout ODB.

Inspiration in his life has come from many people including his family, Woody Allen, Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson, The Beatles, and of course, Lassie.