According to TMZ, law enforcement sources told them … Slice was admitted to a hospital near his home on Monday in Coral Springs, Florida and police where at his home gathering information from family members.

At the time of his death, Slice was signed with Bellator MMA. He defeated Dada 5000 in February at Bellator 149, but the victory was overturned when Slice tested positive for a banned steroid.

Bellator President Scott Coker released the following statement on Slice’s death.

We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family.

One of the most popular MMA fighters ever, Kimbo was a charismatic, larger-than-life personality that transcended the sport.

Outside of the cage he was a friendly, gentle giant and a devoted family man. His loss leaves us all with extremely heavy hearts, and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ferguson family and all of Kimbo’s friends, fans, and teammates.

I like Wanderlei, I think he’ll give me a good fight. He’s gonna want a knockout like I’m gonna want a knockout. Dude, I don’t mind getting knocked out by Wanderlei, but I don’t mind knocking your ass out either, believe that! So it’s gonna be like a good fight. So if he wants some, come get it. – Kimbo Slice

I want to make interesting fights. In Bellator, one guy that I would love to fight is Kimbo. And I’m not going to the ground. I want to fight in his area. I want to do a good show, I want to give emotion to my fans. When I can’t do that I’m gonna really stop, but right now I feel good. – Wanderlei Silva

Former YouTube street fighter sensation turned MMA star, Kimbo Slice, will be officially returning inside the 360 cage in the very near future. According to a recent report by Jeremy Botter of the Houston Chronicle on Thursday, Slice will be headlining a Bellator tentpole event on February 19, 2016 in Houston, Texas.

Bellator officials haven’t confirmed the news yet, however President Scott Coker did tease the ratings phenomenon could face the winner of a Bellator 145 fight between Bobby Lashley and James Thompson in an interview with Ariel Helwani.

Coker said,

We’re going to fight him early next year and I think next year, you’re going to see Kimbo Slice fight three times in Bellator, we might take a look at maybe the winner of that fight (Lashley vs. Thompson) and Kimbo. I’m not promising, I’m just saying.

Slice, 41, is arguably the biggest television ratings draw in the history of MMA. In his most recent fight on Spike TV, Slice defeated Ken Shamrock by knockout in the very first round at Bellator 138 in June.

No, no. Kimbo is a Bellator fighter, we have other plans for Kimbo. We’re going to fight [Slice] early next year, and I think next year, you’re going to see Kimbo Slice fight three times in Bellator. – Bellator MMA President Scott Coker

Shamrock is still a threat to me, he’s still considered deadly and dangerous to break limbs and submit somebody. I’m just not that motherf***er he’s going to submit. I’m just not that guy he’s going to tap out. It’s not going to happen with me. It’s in my DNA to beat his ass. I’ve worked my mind and my body to train for this fight with Shamrock. From back in the day, from many years ago we trained for this fight. This fight isn’t going to go the distance. – Kimbo Slice

Guess who’s making a return in the world of MMA? It’s Kimbo Slice, a former street brawler who became instantly famous in unsanctioned street fights that were distributed on SublimeDirectory and YouTube back in the day. After his first street fight loss to Sean Gannon, Kimbo turned to professional MMA. He made his debut at Cage Fury Fighting Championships 5 and then hit a bigger stage in EliteXC.

In 2008, EliteXC ceased operations and UFC President Dana White granted Kimbo a shot in The Ultimate Fighter. After the season finale of TUF: Heavyweights, Kimbo had his first UFC pay-per-view event against Matt Mitrione at UFC 113, losing in the second round via a TKO. That was his last MMA fight before hanging up the gloves in 2010, but it now appears Kimbo is going to strap them back on again.

According to a report from CombatPress.com, Kimbo has inked a deal with Bellator MMA. The official announcement is to be made public today during the Bellator 132 telecast. There’s no word yet on when his first fight will take place, however, we know for sure he will be training at American Top Team for his upcoming MMA fights.

Check out the video above. Thanks to YouTube user IMakeFights for posting it.

Source: TheCageDoctor.com