Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has announced the death of his infant son Kobe.
“It was too soon to leave, but he left nonetheless. My little son, my spouse, my partner Kobe, were full of life and joy,” Ngannou said Monday. I wrote to X.
“Now he is lying lifeless. I have screamed his name many times but he does not respond.
“I was the best version of myself 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.”
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
According to Ngannou’s post, Kobe was born on January 13, 2023 and passed away last Saturday.
“How do you deal with something like that? How can you live with it?” he asked.
“I have no idea what to do or how to deal with this, so if you have any ideas please help.”
Ngannou continued to grieve Monday.
“What is the purpose of life if the things we fight so hard to escape from are the ones that end up hurting us the most?!” he wrote in another post about X: writing. “Why is life so unfair and unmerciful? Why does life always get us what we don’t have? I’m so fucking tired
The MMA community has mourned Ngannou’s death and supported him.
Former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion Conor McGregor said: “I am so sorry to hear of Francis’ passing. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.” I wrote to X Following Mr. Ngannou’s announcement.
Former UFC women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg prayed.
“Dear Lord, I pray that you would comfort Francis and his family,” she wrote.
“Wrap him in your love as he grieves this loss, and let your guidance protect him. Heaven is eternal and this life is but a blink of an eye, and yet they will soon be together.” Give him the strength to know that it will be.”
Ngannou has a 17-3-0 record in the UFC.
At UFC 260 in March 2021, he defeated Stipe Miocic by TKO and won the heavyweight championship.
He left the UFC in 2023 after the two sides were unable to reach contract terms.
Ngannou lost a boxing match to Anthony Joshua earlier this year.
Ngannou signed with the UFC’s rival Professional Fighters League (PFL) last year.
He is scheduled to face Renan Ferreira, but no date has been set yet.
