Kimbo Slice slated for return to cage with Bellator MMA

Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson

Heavyweight fighter Kevin Ferguson – better known as “Kimbo Slice” to many veteran fight fans – is slated for a return to the cage, this time with Bellator MMA.

MMAjunkie has confirmed with sources close to the promotion that the veteran slugger, previously known for a series of underground fights posted to YouTube, and later for a career with the now-defunct EliteXC promotion and eventually the UFC, has agreed to a deal with Bellator. An announcement is expected during tonight’s Bellator 132 broadcast on Spike TV.

CombatPress.com first reported the signing on Thursday evening. According to the report, a debut date and matchup is expected to be announced in the coming days.

Slice, a 40-year-old Bahamian-born fighter, hasn’t competed in MMA since a 2010 loss to Matt Mitrione in 2010.

The loss came under the UFC banner, where Slice first appeared on “The Ultimate Fighter 10? reality series in 2009. His spot on the heavyweights season of “TUF” followed an upset loss to Seth Petruzelli in 2008 and the subsequent collapse of EliteXC, which featured the former YouTube sensation prominently in a series of highly promoted network-televised events on CBS.

On “TUF 10,” Slice suffered a first-round loss to eventual show champion Roy Nelson, and his MMA career fizzled following a lackluster win over Houston Alexander and the subsequent defeat to Mitrione, which concluded his UFC run.

In recent years, Slice had turned his attention to pro boxing, where he racked up a 7-0 mark against a string of overmatched opponents.

Although the former bareknuckle brawler’s best days may be behind him, Slice still brings some drawing power to an organization that’s recently signed notable (but aging) stars, including the likes of UFC Hall of Famers Tito Ortiz and Stephan Bonnar. He could also provide some promotional muscle for an organization that recently saw one of its top draws, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, re-sign with the UFC.

For more on Bellator 132, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.