EXCLUSIVE

MMA fighter Kimbo Slice was hospitalized in Florida earlier Monday ... and multiple sources tell TMZ Sports the situation does not look good.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... Slice was admitted to a hospital near his home in Coral Springs, FL.

Police are currently at his home gathering information from family members.

Kimbo -- real name Kevin Ferguson -- last fought at Bellator 149 back in February and defeated Dada 5000 -- but the victory was overturned when Slice tested positive for a banned steroid.

Back in 2003, Slice became an Internet sensation for his backyard fighting videos -- destroying several opponents in unsanctioned street fights. He later signed a deal to fight in the UFC.