Dhafir "Dada 5000" Harris was the last man to fight Kimbo Slice, and he paid tribute to his opponent and inspiration with a lengthy Instagram message posted on Tuesday.
Slice died on Monday after being hospitalized for heart-related issues.
In the message, Harris is effusive in his praise of Slice, a fighter who paved the way for street brawlers like himself and Harris to make the jump from YouTube curiosities to legitimate professional competitors.
"Because if it wasn't for Kimbo Slice, there would not be a Dada 5000!" Harris wrote.
Harris and Slice fought at Bellator 149 this past February in a fight that was a bomb with critics, even as it drew millions of viewers. The result was originally a TKO loss for Harris, though it was overturned to a no-contest when Slice later tested positive for steroids and elevated testosterone.