Kimbo Slice Needed A Heart Transplant Before Death

The MMA world was rocked yesterday when it was revealed charismatic champ Kimbo Slice had suddenly died at age 42.

New reports from his medical examiners have offered some explanation to his sudden passing, saying Slice was in desperate need of a heart transplant.

According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the mixed martial artist had been diagnosed with heart failure after being admitted to the Northwest Medical Center in Margate, Florida on Friday.

As reported by the hospital to the Broward County medical examiner, he had been complaining of severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath and nausea.

Doctors had also identified a liver mass, and placed him on a ventilator in intensive care.

They were prepping him for a transfer to Cleveland, where he would sit on an organ donor list, when he passed away on Monday evening.

This diagnosis explains why no autopsy is taking place. The hospital report notes Slice – aka Kevin Ferguson – had no history of illicit drug use.

Slice signed up with UFC in 2009 after becoming a viral star courtesy of street-fighting vids on YouTube. In 2008, his first bout (with James Thompson) became MMA’s most-watched fight in history.

He was set to fight Thompson again in July.

Slice’s last fight was ruled a no-contest after he tested positive for steroids following a victory over Dhafir Harris.

He is survived by his wife and six children.

Photo: YouTube.