Arizona Bulletin

Kimbo Slice, born Kevin Ferguson, became a sensation thanks to his raw and explosive street fighting videos that went viral in the early 2000s. His fierce backyard brawls, widely circulated online, quickly earned him a cult following, and he became known as the "King of Web Brawlers." Kimbo's powerful style and gritty persona propelled him from internet fame to a professional career in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and boxing. His debut in MMA, particularly through Elite XC and later in the UFC, made him a pop culture phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers to his fights​.

Early Life

Kimbo Slice, whose real name was Kevin Ferguson, was born on February 8, 1974, in Nassau, Bahamas. He moved to the United States as a child, settling with his family in Florida, where he grew up with his two siblings. Kimbo attended multiple schools in Florida, including Cutler Ridge Middle School, Richmond Heights Middle School, and Miami Palmetto High School. He showed an early interest in physical confrontations, with his first fight at age 13, defending a friend during a schoolyard altercation.

Despite his rough upbringing, Kimbo pursued higher education. He initially attended Bethune-Cookman University on a scholarship, where he studied criminal justice. Later, he transferred to the University of Miami to continue his studies in the same field. Although his life eventually shifted toward combat sports, his academic background in criminal justice highlights his initial aspirations beyond street fighting and mixed martial arts​.

Career

Kimbo Slice, rose to fame through viral street fight videos in the early 2000s. His fierce fighting style and raw power quickly made him an internet sensation. Before his fighting career, he worked as a bodyguard and in other security roles, including working for Reality Kings, an adult entertainmentcompany.

Kimbo eventually transitioned from backyard brawls to professional combat sports. He made his Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) debut in 2007, and his success in organizations like EliteXC, UFC, and Bellator helped further his popularity. Despite some criticism for lacking technical skill, his knockout power and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite. His MMA record stood at 5 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no contest. He also had a brief career in professional boxing, where he won several matches, including a knockout victory in his debut fight.

Aside from fighting, Kimbo ventured into acting, appearing in films like The Scorpion King 3 and Blood and Bone. He also participated in the reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter in 2009, which further expanded his reach into mainstream entertainment.

Wife

Kimbo Slice, first known marriage was to L. Shontae Ferguson in May 1994. They shared several children together, though their relationship did not last, and they eventually separated. Later, Kimbo entered into a long-term relationship with Antoinette Ray. Then they two were married in 2012. Antoinette Ray was with Kimbo until his death in 2016. They had been together for many years, and she is often referred to as his wife​.

Children

Kimbo Slice, whose real name was Kevin Ferguson, had six children: Kevin Jr., Kevin II, Kevlar, Kassandra, Kiara, and Kevina. His oldest son, Kevin Ferguson Jr., also known as "Baby Slice," has followed in his father's footsteps as an MMA fighter. Kevlar, Kimbo's youngest son, has autism, and Kimbo was actively involved in his care, even training with him regularly.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Kimbo Slice’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. Although Kimbo, whose real name was Kevin Ferguson, passed away in 2016, his earnings from past fights, acting roles, sponsorship deals, and ongoing merchandise sales continue to generate income. Kimbo initially gained fame from street fights posted online, which led to a professional career in MMA, boxing, and acting. His legacy remains strong, and his continued posthumous earnings have contributed to the increase in his net worth over time​.