Fight world, celebrities react on Twitter to sudden death of Kimbo Slice

Kimbo Slice's sudden death on Monday night shocked the fight world as many took to social media to remember him

By Robby Kalland

Jun 7, 2016 at 12:12 am ET • 1 min read

Street fighting legend turned MMA ratings sensation Kimbo Slice, 42, died Monday night after being hospitalized for undisclosed reasons.

Slice, real name Kevin Ferguson, was a street fighting legend in the early-to-mid 2000s and a true rags-to-riches story, going from fighting in backyards in Miami to on high-profile mixed martial arts cards across multiple promotions.

His sudden passing was a shock to his peers and legions of fans, and those both inside and outside the fight community took to social media to offer condolences to his family and friends.

Former wrestler Bill Goldberg:

We lost a very passionate and caring person in @KimboSlice .....don't let the image fool you.
— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) June 7, 2016

Seth Petruzelli, who once defeated Slice in 14 seconds:

So sorry to Kimbo's family. My thoughts are with you In this horrible time. #RIPKimbo
— Seth Petruzelli (@silverbackseth) June 7, 2016

UFC president Dana White:

RIP Kimbo pic.twitter.com/Q4kZ4xhff8
— Dana White (@danawhite) June 7, 2016

MMA journalist Ariel Helwani:

I was texting with Kimbo Slice recently. At the end of our conversation he sent me this picture. He was one of my very first interviews and was so very kind to me every step of the way. Can't believe one of the most important and recognizable faces in the history of this great sport is no longer with us. Rest in peace, Ferg. Thank you for everything. You lived the American Dream and did it your way. We will miss you.
A photo posted by Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) on Jun 6, 2016 at 8:45pm PDT

MMA announcer Mauro Ranallo:

My deepest condolences go out to @KimboSlice family. Every time I spoke with him,his love for you shone through. #RIPKevinFerguson
— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) June 7, 2016

UFC fighter Tyron Woodley:

You were an overcomer, pioneer, and Internet sensation turn MMA Icon! But more importantly you were a husband to one, father to a few, friend to more, humble to all and will be missed by millions. Love you brother! Prayers to your family, friends and Loved ones. #RIPKimboSlice @illsliceya
A photo posted by Tyron Woodley (@twooodley) on Jun 6, 2016 at 9:06pm PDT

UFC fighter Henry Cejudo:

We've lost two great fighters these last days. Rest in peace to the man who gave hope to the unfortunate. #kimboslice
A photo posted by Henry Cejudo (@henry_cejudo) on Jun 6, 2016 at 9:06pm PDT

UFC fighter Brad Pickett:

A very very sad day. Lost a true friend and a legend in @KimboSlice may he rest in peace. My thoughts goes out to his family. #RIPkimbo
— Brad Pickett (@One_Punch) June 7, 2016

Ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr.:

So sorry to hear the news of Kimbo Slice passing. Such a nice man outside the cage/ring. RIP
— Jimmy Lennon Jr (@TheClassyJr) June 7, 2016

Miami native and filmmaker Billy Corben:

RIP @KimboSlice: a 305 original, a true fighter, a one-of-a-kind Miami legend pic.twitter.com/UWaw6ncMCw
— Billy Corben (@BillyCorben) June 7, 2016

Bellator commentator Jimmy Smith:

Man, all I can say about @KimboSlice is that he was really a genuinely nice guy and a gentleman to everyone he dealt with in @BellatorMMA.
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) June 7, 2016

Former NFL star Damien Woody:

Man...Kimbo was about the realest street fighter out there! Those YouTube clips used to give me LIFE on game day! #RIP
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) June 7, 2016

NBA star Michael Carter-Williams:

Damn yoo Rip kimbo slice. My prayers go out to his family
— Michael Carter-Willi (@MCW1) June 7, 2016

UFC fighter Colby Covington:

Rip kimbo. A true warrior and really nice guy. Thoughts and prayers to his family. #KimboSlice
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) June 7, 2016

NFL player Kayvon Webster:

Sad day in the community , Sleep in Peace to the legend KIMBO slice it was an honor and privilege to have known you as well as grow up around you from the back yard to the ring legend live forever ! Gone too soon ! #dadecountylegend
A photo posted by Kayvon Webster (@kw3bb6) on Jun 6, 2016 at 8:23pm PDT