Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou was recently involved in a tragic motorcycle accident in his home country of Cameroon, which resulted in the death of a woman.
Reports indicate that Ngannou was riding when he struck the woman, who sustained serious injuries and later died at a hospital in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon.
The woman, who has not been identified, apparently had to undergo emergency surgery prior to her passing.
After the incident, Ngannou reportedly took the woman to the hospital and covered her medical expenses. “I personally met with the family to share their sadness, and I will continue to stand with them,” he stated. “I carry their pain with me, and my thoughts and support will be with them as they deal with this heartbreaking loss,” he shared in a statement.
Ngannou held the UFC heavyweight title from 2015 until 2022, when he parted ways with the organization after contract negotiations fell through, leading to the stripping of his title.
His last fight in the UFC took place in January 2022 against Ciryl Gane, a match he won.
Currently, Ngannou is competing in the heavyweight division of the Professional Fighters League, where he won his debut fight against Renan Ferreira by knockout last October.
He holds an overall record of 18 wins and 3 losses, with his last defeat being in 2018.
On a personal note, Ngannou suffered a heartbreaking loss more than a year ago, as he announced the death of his son, Kobe, who passed away at just 15 months old in April 2024.
“I have to leave soon, but my little boy, my companion, my partner Kobe, was full of life and joy,” he mourned on social media.
“I felt at my best next to him, but now I’m lost. How do you cope with such a loss? How can you move on? I really don’t know what to do, so if anyone has suggestions, I’d appreciate it,” he reflected.
