Tributes have poured in for mixed martial arts star Francis Ngannou following tragic news that he lost his young son, and Conor McGregor was among the first to offer his condolences. I was alone
Conor McGregor has expressed his condolences to MMA and boxing star Francis Ngannou following the death of his 18-month-old son.
Tributes poured in for the former UFC heavyweight champion after news broke from Cameroon that the 37-year-old toddler had tragically passed away. Early Monday, Ngannou made an emotional post on social media that suggested the shocking news was true.
“What is the purpose of life if what we fight so desperately to escape is what ultimately hurts us the most!?” said the Cameroonian-French fighter. “Why is life so unfair and unmerciful? Why does life always take away what we don't have? I'm tired of it.”
McGregor was one of the first to respond to mixed martial arts, which is now under the PFL banner. Irish players expressed their condolences following Ngannou's death. The Irish father of four said: “I am so sorry to hear of Francis' death. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.”
Ngannou's mixed martial arts coach Eric Nikcik of Gym Extreme Couture also sent an emotional message. “The last few days have been tough, and words cannot express the pain we all feel for the Ngannou family during this time,” the head coach said.
“Please keep Francis and his family in your thoughts. May this remind you of the fragility of life. Say 'I love you' more often. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Not.”
Boxing promoter Frank Warren also expressed his condolences as the entire MMA world expressed sadness. “My thoughts and prayers are with @francis_ngannou and his family. This is very sad news,” Warren said.
Former UFC champion Cris Cyborg wrote, “Dear Lord, I pray that you would comfort Francis and his family. May you surround him with your love and protect him with your guidance as he grieves this loss.” Please.” he posted.
“Give him the strength to know that heaven is eternal and this life is but a moment, but soon they will be together. In your name, I ask. Amen.”
Ngannou later posted a touching farewell message to his son on Instagram. There it was written: “I left too soon, but he's gone. Kobe, my buddy, my partner, beside me, full of energy and joy. Now he's lost his life. He was lying down. I screamed his name over and over, but he didn't respond.
“I was the best version of myself next to him and now I have no idea who I am. Life is so unfair to him and us and that hurts the most.”
“How do you deal with something like that? How do I deal with it? I don't really know what to do and how to deal with this, so if you have any ideas please help.”
