In a sad turn of events, former UFC champion Francis Ngannou has confirmed the death of his 15-month-old son, Kobe.
The Cameroonian MMA star turned boxer revealed the news of his son’s passing via a social media post on Monday night.
The post read: “Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone.
“My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he’s laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding.
“I was my best self next to him and now I have no clue of who I am. Life is so unfair to hit us where it hurts the most.
“How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it? Please help me if you have an idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.”
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) April 29, 2024
The cause of the infant’s death still remains unknown, but tributes and condolence messages have been pouring in for Ngannou and his family.
Former two-time UFC champion Connor McGregor sent Ngannou a condolence message which read: “Absolutely gutted reading this Francis! I can only imagine the pain you are in right now I am so sorry hearing this news. I pray God has the best and safest place in heaven for him, until you meet again.”
Ngannou’s trainer Eric Nicksick expressed his sadness at what the 37-year-old is going through as well.
“It’s been a heavy few days, words can’t express the pain we all feel for the Ngannou family during this time,” Nicksick wrote.
“Please keep Francis and his family in your heart, and may this be a reminder of the fragility of life. Say ‘I love you,’ more often, tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.”
Ngannou, who switched to boxing after relinquishing his UFC heavyweight title, last fought Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia in March, in a bout in which he was beaten by knockout.
In October 2023, he made his boxing debut against Tyson Fury in a controversial bout that ended in the latter win by split decision.⅞
