Daniel Leal/AFP/Getty Images
Francis Ngannou attends a press conference in London ahead of his fight with Anthony Joshua in January 2024.
CNN
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Mixed martial artist and boxer Francis Ngannou posted on Monday that his 15-month-old son Kobe has passed away.
“It's too soon to leave, but he's gone,” Ngannou posted on Instagram. “My little son, my spouse, my partner Kobe, was full of life and joy. Now he lies lifeless. I cried out his name over and over again. But there is no response.”
Ngannou did not reveal the cause of her son's death.
“I was my best self next to him and now I have no idea who I am,” Ngannou added in an Instagram post. “Life is so unfair that it hits us where it hurts the most.
“How do you deal with something like that? How can you live with it? I have no idea what to do or how to deal with it, so if you have any ideas please help.”
In another post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Ngannou wrote:
“Why is life so unfair and unforgiving? Why does life always get us what we don't have? Fucking tired.”
Many of Ngannou's contemporaries expressed their condolences to the 37-year-old fighter, including former UFC champion Conor McGregor.
“I am so sorry to hear of Francis' death. My prayers are with you and your family at this time,” he wrote to X.
Ngannou's manager, Markel Martin, said he was “heartbroken” over the fighter's death.
“I'm sorry you and your family are going through this,” Martin posted on Instagram.
“I don't even have the words to express how sad I feel for you. I'm going to write this again without giving up. We've had our ups and downs as brothers, but as a family and Nothing takes precedence over love for.”
Ngannou's trainer, Eric Nikcik, also provided support to Ngannou.
“You have been our rock and our guiding light through thick and thin. Now, as you face this unimaginable loss, we know that we are here for you and that you Please know that we are ready to support you as you have always done for us,” Nick Schick wrote on Instagram.
“Lean on us, cry with us, and share your grief. Together we will get through this dark time and together we will find ways to honor and remember your precious Kobe.” You are not alone in this, and you never will be.”
Ngannou made a living in the UFC as a heavyweight champion, but the veteran fighter recently traded his Octagon for the ring.
In his first professional fight against Tyson Fury, which was dubbed his “baddest fight,” Ngannou was impressed by how quickly he adapted to life as a boxer and how comfortable he looked against an opponent who is considered one of the best boxers around. They captivated the surprised audience and put on a good show. The best heavyweight boxer in the world eventually loses.
Ngannou lost his second professional fight to Anthony Joshua in March.