Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou announced the death of his 15-month-old son Kobe on Monday.
Ngannou made the announcement on social media, confirming earlier reports.
“Too early to leave but he’s gone,” Ngannou wrote. “My little boy, my companion, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now he lies lifeless. I called out his name over and over but he doesn’t respond.
“I was my best self next to him and now I have no idea who I am. Life is so unfair that it hits us where it hurts the most.
“How do you deal with such a thing?” How can you live with this? Please help me if you have any idea, because I really don’t know what to do or how to handle this.
The circumstances of Kobe’s death are unclear.
Ngannou made the announcement after posting a social media post on Monday alluding to his son’s death. His coach Eric Nicksick responded to this message by asking his supporters to keep Ngannou and his family “in their hearts”.
These last few days have been difficult, words cannot express the pain we all feel for the Ngannou family during this time. Please keep Francis and his family in your heart, and may this remind you of the fragility of life. Say “I love you” more often, tomorrow is not guaranteed. ❤️ https://t.co/V6QVzbXKVi
– Eric Nicksick (@Eric_XCMMA) April 29, 2024
Ngannou, 37, spent six years as a UFC fighter from 2015 to 2021, compiling a 17-3 record. He knocked out Stipe Miocic for a stunning victory at UFC 260 in 2021 to win the UFC heavyweight championship. He successfully defended his belt with a unanimous decision against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. Ngannou did not sign a new contract with the UFC after beating Gane and did not fight in the Octagon again. Since.
Ngannou has since fought as a boxer and made waves in a loss to WBC and lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in October. Ngannou lost that fight by split decision, but knocked down Fury and challenged the champion as an inexperienced boxer and 14-1 underdog making his professional debut. He lost by knockout to former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in March.
Originally from Cameroon, Ngannou rose from childhood poverty to the pinnacle of mixed martial arts and success in the world of boxing. He has not competed since his match against Joshua in March.
