Kimbo Slice may not have been an original from the early ’90s like Ken Shamrock or Royce Gracie. Kimbo may not have been a Chuck Liddell, a Tito Ortiz or Forrest Griffin that sustained and lifted MMA into the relative mainstream. But despite his background and with only eight professional MMA fights, Kimbo was still a legend.
Kimbo was the guy you booted up ridiculously slow internet for as your friend hunches over your shoulder, waiting for the little loading bar to fill as sun glared on your old-school CRT monitor. Who was this man? This monster? He was a blurry, but real, action star fighting two dudes back-to-back in a boatyard. He was capturing hearts and liberating consciousnesses. The internet was ready for Kimbo Slice. The world was ready for Kimbo Slice.
And so, the world mourns his death at age 42 on Monday. In his short, but improbable rise, Kimbo Slice transcended into a weird, pop culture star in various corners of the world. A modern day gladiator. Everyone likes a guy who could punch somebody’s eyeball out of their head. And, it just so happened that he was a nice guy. A family man. Kimbo Slice was embraced by many, and now he’s mourned by many. From fighters to entertainers, to fans.
We lost a very passionate and caring person in @KimboSlice …..don't let the image fool you.
— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) June 7, 2016
RIP Kimbo pic.twitter.com/Q4kZ4xhff8
— danawhite (@danawhite) June 7, 2016
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
https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/740037016570695681
RIP Kimbo Slice!! I heard he was the nicest and most humble guy when you talked to him. What a crazy year!
— Mike Richman (@MikeUSMCRichman) June 7, 2016
Rip Kimbo Slice, I'll always remember you from your role in the Drake & Josh Christmas special #BlackSanta pic.twitter.com/kpoPUrxPIQ
— Josh Gardina (@JoshGardina) June 7, 2016
In May of 2008, Kimbo Slice was part of the first-ever MMA event that was broadcast on network television. #RIPKimbo pic.twitter.com/VlbjHrJxCp
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 7, 2016
Heartbreaking news Kimbo Slice has passed away. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.… https://t.co/7pboCGuULO
— Travis Barker (@travisbarker) June 7, 2016
My first meeting with kimbo, he talked to me like we knew each other for years, and said "keep doing your thing man you special." #ripkimbo
— Will Brooks (@ILLxWillBrooks) June 7, 2016
RIP Kimbo. U were a good man with a great heart! Mike Jai White & Kimbo Slice on set of Blood and Bone https://t.co/5YRcY9Xzfk via @YouTube
— Michael Jai White (@MichaelJaiWhite) June 7, 2016
This old Kimbo story put a smile on my face. Maybe it can for you too. https://t.co/KtFqIhDHUJ
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) June 7, 2016
I don't think people truly will ever understand the impact Kimbo had in the sport of MMA.
— Dragon of Dojima (@GaryLaPlante) June 7, 2016
Kimbo Slice's impact on the sport can't be understated. Redefined what it means to be a star in MMA.
— Steven Rondina (@srondina) June 7, 2016
Dada and Kimbo. You're right man. We all laughed. But in reality, both guys gave everything they had left in them. https://t.co/qPZlb00VkI
— Adam Martin (@MMAdamMartin) June 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/Patrick_Wyman/status/740032433542701056
😒 sad day for anyone that has ever met or is a fan of Kimbo. https://t.co/ukN7zFUIfH
— Rampage Jackson (@Rampage4real) June 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/scottchristBLH/status/740032038430986241
https://twitter.com/RyanLoco/status/740031385595846656
https://twitter.com/JESnowden/status/740031189206073344
Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of 42 yr old Kimbo Slice. RIP Kevin, you gave us all so much 2 talk about and enjoy. Rest well #AskBJM
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) June 7, 2016
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
@BillyCorben summed up the Kimbo Slice story best in my interview last year.
R.I.P big man. pic.twitter.com/RMtmnQDZbn
— Justin Faux (@justinfauxmma) June 7, 2016
Kimbo Slice fought in 1st ever MMA event shown on prime time network television in 2008, winning the fight by KO. pic.twitter.com/ajPzD4GWos
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 7, 2016
