In 2015, the late Kimbo Slice participated in one of his final mixed martial arts bouts. Known initially as an internet street fighting sensation, Slice built a brief yet impactful career in MMA.
Transitioning from bare-knuckle backyard fights, Slice became an immediate MMA star with EliteXC in 2007, following an amateur victory where he choked out Olympic boxer Ray Mercer.
After starting 3-0, his EliteXC run included a quick KO loss to Seth Petruzelli. The promotion`s eventual failure led him to the biggest stage in MMA.
Gaining further fame on The Ultimate Fighter, Slice had two fights in the UFC (1-1). Following his UFC departure, he had an undefeated professional boxing run, but would later return to mixed martial arts.
Kimbo Slice`s Bellator Comeback Against Ken Shamrock in 2015
Five years later, Slice returned to MMA headlining Bellator 138 against veteran Ken Shamrock, a fight originally planned for 2008.
Shamrock, also returning after five years at age 51, quickly put Slice in a dangerous situation.
Early in the first round, Shamrock secured a takedown and applied a deep rear-naked choke. Slice appeared close to submitting.
Remarkably, Slice survived the choke for over 30 seconds. Upon escaping, he capitalized immediately, using his powerful strikes to finish the fight on the feet.
Shamrock Claims Slice Tapped During Choke Attempt
The outcome of the fight wasn`t without controversy.
Beyond accusations that Shamrock took a dive, the veteran himself later claimed he released the submission because he felt Slice tap. Referee John McCarthy disputed this claim at the time, but Shamrock repeated his version on the Jaxxon Podcast in 2024.
Shamrock described feeling confident, executing the takedown and choke perfectly. He stated he felt a “slight tap” or felt Slice “go limp” and released the hold, wanting to finish with courtesy and respect, only for Slice to recover immediately.
Slice fought once more in MMA, defeating Dada 5000 at Bellator 149, though the result was later changed to a no contest after Slice failed a drug test.
Tragically, Kimbo Slice passed away in Florida in June 2016, four months after his final bout.
