The Streets Taught Him to Knock’em Out… Kimbo Slice and his Insane MMA Career

At the dawn of the 2000s, videos with Kimbo Slice blew up the Internet, elevating the black-bearded giant to the “King of the Web Brawlers” status. Having made it out of the ghetto, he burst onto the MMA scene and continued to crack chins, now on a professional level. His whole life story resembled an action-packed Hollywood blockbuster with a tragic ending. Today we look back at Kimbo’s journey, from backyard slobberknockers to global superstardom.

At the turn of the 2000s, the rise of Kimbo Slice became a phenomenon on the internet, catapulting the black-bearded giant into the status of a web brawler king. Kimbo, born Kevin Ferguson in the Bahamas, faced a challenging childhood marked by poverty when he moved to a crime-ridden Miami suburb in the United States.

Growing up, Kimbo faced bullying and adversity but developed a strong sense of self-respect and a willingness to fight back. His childhood friend, Mike Ember, played a pivotal role in Kimbo’s life, offering support and standing by him through thick and thin.

Initially aspiring to become a football player, Kimbo’s dreams were shattered by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which left him homeless and forced to live in a car. After a brief stint at the University of Miami and an unsuccessful attempt to make it in the NFL, Kimbo turned to the streets to make a living.

With Ember’s creative idea, Kimbo began engaging in street fights, challenging local fighters while Ember took bets. These unsanctioned street fights became a sensation, showcasing Kimbo’s raw power and intimidating presence. Ember, recognizing the potential, started recording and posting these fights online, turning Kimbo into a YouTube star.

Kimbo’s street fights attracted millions of views, and he became known as the “Slice” in reference to his powerful striking abilities. The videos gained immense popularity, leading to Kimbo’s expansion into an organized street league with Ember. Kimbo’s fights started drawing crowds, and he aimed to provide more opportunities for others to showcase their skills.

One notable fight featured a young Jorge Masvidal, who later became a prominent figure in professional MMA. Despite the unorthodox nature of these street fights, they played a crucial role in Masvidal’s journey to MMA prominence.

Kimbo’s undefeated streak in street fights came to an end when he faced police officer Sean Cannon Gannon. Gannon, a seasoned boxer and MMA practitioner, provided Kimbo with a tough challenge. The fight went on for several rounds, showcasing both fighters’ determination and endurance. Ultimately, Kimbo suffered his first defeat due to exhaustion, but the bout against a skilled opponent elevated his credibility.

The viral video titled “Kimbo Slice vs. Police Officer” garnered massive attention, attracting professional promoters to consider Kimbo for organized MMA fights. In 2007, Kimbo made his official MMA debut against boxing legend Ray Mercer in Cage Fury Fighting Championship (CFFC). Despite Mercer’s boxing pedigree, Kimbo quickly secured victory by unleashing a barrage of strikes in the clinch.

Kimbo Slice’s journey from backyard brawler to global superstardom was marked by resilience, raw talent, and a unique approach to the fight game. The transition to professional MMA opened new doors for Kimbo, setting the stage for the next chapter in his tumultuous yet captivating life story.