Francis Ngannou, the former UFC champion, is grieving the loss of his 18-month-old son, Kobe. The sad news was announced late Monday, prompting condolences from notable figures such as Conor McGregor and Ngannou’s trainer, Eric Nicksick. Ngannou recently transitioned from UFC to boxing and has competed in high-profile bouts against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Ngannou shared the tragic news of his son’s passing on social media, expressing his heartbreak and questioning the fairness of life in light of his loss. On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “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?”
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 fucking tiredAdvertisement— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) April 29, 2024
On Instagram, Ngannou paid tribute to his son, describing him as full of life and joy. He expressed his disbelief at the situation, feeling lost without Kobe and asking for guidance on how to cope with such a profound loss. He wrote, “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.”
As the cause of death remains undisclosed, those close to Ngannou are respecting his privacy during this difficult time.
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) April 29, 2024