For the former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, the worst just happened! On late Monday, the French Cameroonian mixed martial artist shared the heartbreaking news of his 15-month-old son, Kobe’s passing. While Ngannou or anyone from his family and team hasn’t revealed the exact cause of death, his social media post about the unfortunate incident suggests it wasn’t sudden.

Before he went public with the news, Ngannou had shared an X post, writing, “What’s the purpose of life if what we’re fighting tooth and nail to get away from is what finally hit us the hardest!? Why is life so unfair and merciless? Why does life always take what we don’t have? I’m f**king tired.” 

One day after conveying his grief on X, Ngannou decided to officially address the situation with his followers. He wrote, “Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone. My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he’s laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding.”

“I was my best self next to him and now I have no clue of who I am. Life is so unfair to hit us where it hurts the most,” Ngannou further added. “How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it? Please help me if you have an idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this,” Francis wrote while sharing a black-and-white picture with his son. 

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A diamond in the rough: Francis Ngannou

To achieve his goal of becoming an elite fighter like his idol, Mike Tyson, Francis Ngannou, took on a journey that would define his rise to stardom like no other. Following several attempts to escape his country, where he worked in a sand quarry, Ngannou dogged numerous life-threatening situations, and near-death experiences to reach Spain. 

After spending a few months in Spain’s immigration detention centre, ‘The Predator’ reached Paris. However, this wasn’t the end of his troubles! After reaching Paris, the Cameroonian was homeless and penniless. That’s when he met Didier Carmont, who introduced Ngannou to MMA and allowed him to train in his MMA gym. 

In a few more months, Ngannou met Fernand Lopez, who didn’t just allow Ngannou to live and train in his gym, but also convinced him to become an MMA fighter. Ngannou made his MMA debut in November 2013, amassing a 5-0 record in the regional circuit. Fast forward to 2015, he signed with UFC and the rest is history. So, given such a difficult rise to fame, his colleagues and people from across the globe quickly came to pay their condolences to Ngannou’s son. 

Ngannou and Kobe: In the heart of the ring, a father’s love endures

Just last year, fans got a glimpse of Ngannou’s children when he introduced them to Cristiano Ronaldo. The wholesome scene was captured on camera during a press conference, where Ronaldo can be seen holding one of Ngannou’s children. Besides this appearance, not much is known about Ngannou’s children or about Kobe’s mother. Ngannou has, for the most part, kept his personal life hidden away from the prying eyes of the media, making sure his children get a peaceful life. However, after learning about the heartbreaking news, professional boxer and former world champion Manny Pacquiao wrote, “I’m sorry brother. Can’t imagine the pain and struggle you are going through. Praying for you and your family right now!”

He wasn’t alone. Ngannou’s promotion mate, Michael Bisping, wrote, “I am so genuinely sorry” while showing support for the former heavyweight. 

Even American wrestler Cain Velasquez had a few words for Ngannou. He wrote, “Bro i have no words but i am here. Praying for you and your family. Sending you a hug.”

Ngannou’s trainer, Dewey Cooper, also came to support him, who wrote, “Beyond saddened for you as a great father to lose your wonderful son. I can’t describe the anguish of this sad news. I pray for Kobe, you, and your family. If you need anything please let me know.”

Not just his trainer, Ngannou’s manager, Marquel Martin, paid his condolences. “Please respect @francis_ngannou and his family during this traumatic time. I along with millions others will be praying for their strength.”

Even Ngannou’s last opponent, Anthony Joshua, came in to show his support. He wrote, “May the memories you shared bring you comfort.”

Responding to the news, Conor McGregor wrote, “I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time.” In a later tweet, McGregor wrote, “Absolutely gutted reading this Francis! I can only imagine the pain you are in right now I am so sorry hearing this news. I pray God has the best and safest place in heaven for him, until you meet again.”

In the wake of Francis Ngannou’s loss, the combat world has come together to mourn the saddening demise of his son. May these supportive words from the combat world serve as a reminder of the strength found in unity. Do you have a few words for Ngannou?