Kevin Ferguson didn't just walk into the cage; he crashed through the door of the internet age with a gold tooth and a beard that looked like it was carved out of granite. Most people knew him as Kimbo Slice, the terrifying street fighter who turned backyard brawls into a multi-million dollar brand. But once the cameras stopped rolling and the viral dust settled, there was a completely different man at home. Honestly, the gap between the "King of the Web Brawlers" and the man known to his family is kinda staggering.
While the world saw a savage, Kimbo Slice and his wife, Antoinette Ray, were building a life that was surprisingly quiet. It wasn't about the fame. It was about stability. You’ve seen the videos of him knocking people out in Florida backyards, but you probably haven't seen the side of him that was a dedicated father of six.
Who Was Antoinette Ray?
The relationship between Kimbo Slice and his wife has always been a bit of a mystery to casual fans. Antoinette Ray wasn't someone who chased the spotlight. She wasn't an "influencer" or a reality TV star looking for a spin-off. She was his rock.
They lived together in Coral Springs, Florida, a far cry from the gritty streets where Kimbo first made his name. Reports on their marriage date are a little fuzzy—some say they officially tied the knot in 2012, while others suggest they were long-term partners who operated as a married unit long before that. Regardless of the paperwork, their bond was undisputed in the MMA community.
Kimbo was a "gentle giant" at home. That’s a cliché, sure, but in this case, it’s actually true. He was obsessed with his kids. He wanted them to have the education he struggled to find. He famously told his eldest son, Kevin Ferguson Jr. (better known as "Baby Slice"), to stay away from fighting and focus on college first.
The Six "K" Children
The couple raised a massive family, and Kimbo had a specific quirk: all their children's names started with the letter 'K.'
- Kevin Jr. (Baby Slice, who eventually turned pro anyway)
- Kevin II
- Kevlar
- Kassandra
- Kiara
- Kevina
One of the most touching stories about Kimbo involves his son Kevlar, who has autism. In 2010, videos surfaced of Kimbo training with Kevlar, showing a level of patience and tenderness that the UFC cameras never captured. It changed the narrative. He wasn't just a brawler; he was a protector.
The Reality of Their Life in Coral Springs
You might think a guy like Kimbo was living a high-speed, "baller" lifestyle 24/7. Not really. After his stint in the UFC and his later move to Bellator, the goal was simple: provide. Antoinette managed the household while Kimbo traveled for camps at American Top Team.
He was a provider who had seen the bottom. He had been homeless. He had worked as a bouncer and a bodyguard for a pornography company (Reality Kings) just to keep the lights on. By the time he was with Antoinette in their Coral Springs home, he treated every paycheck like it was his last.
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He didn't want his kids to be "Kimbo Slice." He wanted them to be students.
The Sudden Tragedy in 2016
Everything changed on June 6, 2016. Kimbo was only 42. He was admitted to a hospital in Margate, Florida, complaining of severe abdominal pain. It wasn't a fight injury. It wasn't a street brawl gone wrong.
It was his heart.
Doctors diagnosed him with heart failure and a mass on his liver. He needed a heart transplant. Sadly, he didn't live long enough to get one. He passed away that same night, leaving Antoinette and their six children in a state of shock that rippled through the entire sports world.
The outpouring of grief was massive. Scott Coker, the president of Bellator, called him a "devoted family man." That’s the phrase that kept coming up. Not "legendary striker" or "YouTube star," but family man.
How the Family Moved Forward
After he passed, the burden fell on Antoinette to navigate a world without the man who had become a global icon. It wasn't easy. There were legal complexities regarding his estate, which was estimated to be worth around $2 million at the time.
But the real legacy was in the kids. Kevin Jr. took the "Baby Slice" mantle and ran with it, fighting in Bellator and BKFC. He often talks about how his father's discipline—the stuff Antoinette helped instill at home—is what keeps him grounded.
Why the Kimbo Story Still Matters
We live in a world of "fake" viral stars now. Everyone wants to be famous for nothing. Kimbo was the opposite. He was famous because he was real, and he used that fame to create a shield for his wife and kids.
Kimbo Slice and his wife represented a version of the American Dream that’s a little messy and a lot of work. He came from the dirt, fought his way into the light, and spent every ounce of his energy making sure his family didn't have to fight the same way he did.
People still search for Kimbo because he felt like one of us. He wasn't a polished Olympian; he was a guy who stepped up when his family needed a win.
Insights for the Road
If there’s anything to take away from the life of Kevin Ferguson, it’s these three things:
- Brand vs. Reality: Never mistake a person’s public persona for their private character. The man who looked like a villain was actually the neighborhood hero.
- The Importance of "Why": Kimbo didn't fight because he loved getting hit. He fought because he loved Antoinette and his kids. Knowing your "why" changes how you perform.
- Legacy is Local: You can be famous to millions, but your most important work happens inside your own four walls.
For those looking to honor his memory, the best thing you can do is look into the Kimbo Slice Foundation or support organizations that help with autism awareness, a cause very close to the Ferguson family's heart.