Kimbo Slice to Host March 9 ‘Ultimate Fighter Fridays’ Premiere on Spike TV

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Kimbo Slice is returning to Spike TV.

Network officials announced Tuesday that the bearded heavyweight, whose real name is Kevin Ferguson, will host the March 9 premiere of a new Friday night series showcasing the best moments from “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show.

The series, titled “The Ultimate Fighter Fridays,” will serve as a highlight reel for the 14 seasons of “TUF” which aired on Spike. According to the official release, Spike will also air themed episodes of the weekly series based on viewer input. Fans may follow the cable channel on Facebook and Twitter in order to express which episodes and moments they would like to see make the cut.

“TUF Fridays” will go head-to-head with the 15th season of the show, which airs on FX in a new, live format. Bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber will serve as coaches before squaring off for a third time at the season finale in July. Additionally, Bellator Fighting Championships will air its sixth season on Friday nights, beginning March 9 with Bellator 60 on MTV2.

Ferguson, 38, competed on Season 10 of “TUF,” which earned a series-high average viewership of 3.4 million observers per week. Famous for engaging in backyard, bare-knuckle street fights in his home state of Florida, Ferguson achieved great Internet popularity after his fight videos were posted online.

Following a four-fight stint in the defunct EliteXC, the native Bahamanian joined the cast of “TUF 10” in 2009, falling by unanimous decision to eventual season winner Roy Nelson in his first-round pairing. Ferguson would go on to defeat Houston Alexander in his official UFC debut at the live season finale, earning a lackluster unanimous decision over the Nebraskan in December 2009.

Following a technical knockout defeat to fellow “TUF 10” cast mate Matt Mitrione in his next outing, Ferguson was released from the promotion. Since his UFC exit, Kimbo has competed as a professional boxer, amassing a 3-0 record with two knockouts in a trio of four-round fights.