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 previous reports.
“Too early to leave, but he’s gone anyway,” Ngannou wrote. “My little boy, my buddy, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now he lies lifeless. I screamed his name over and over again, 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 to hit us where it hurts the most.
“How do you deal with something like that? How can you live with it? Please help me if you have any idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.
The circumstances of Kobe’s death are unclear.
Ngannou made the announcement after posting a message on social media earlier Monday referencing his son’s death. His coach Eric Nicksick responded to that message and asked his followers to keep Ngannou and his family ‘in your hearts’.
It has been a tough few days, words cannot express the pain we all feel for the Ngannou family at this time. Please keep Francis and his family in your hearts, and may this be a reminder of the fragility of life. Say “I love you” more often, because 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 record of 17-3. He knocked out Stipe Miocic for a stunning UFC 260 victory in 2021 and claimed the UFC heavyweight championship. He successfully defended his title with a unanimous decision over Cyril Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. Ngannou did not sign a new contract with UFC after defeating Gane and has not fought in the Octagon since.
Ngannou has since fought as a boxer, making waves in a loss to WBC and heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in October. Ngannou lost that fight via split decision, but knocked down Fury and challenged the champion as an inexperienced boxer and 14-1 underdog making his professional debut. He lost via knockout to former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in March.
Born in Cameroon, Ngannou rose from child poverty to the pinnacle of mixed martial arts and boxing success. He hasn’t competed since facing Joshua in March.
