Francis Ngannou.
Dominik Bindl/Getty ImagesFormer UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou announced the death of his 15-month-old son, Kobe.
“It’s too early to leave but he’s gone anyway,” Ngannou, 37, wrote of X on Monday, April 29. “My little boy, my buddy, my partner Kobe were full of life and joy . I kept calling his name but he didn’t answer.”
A cause of death was not announced.
“I was my best self next to him and now I have no idea who I am,” Ngannou continued. “Life is so unfair that it hits us where it hurts the most.”
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Finally, Ngannou asked his followers for support and guidance during his time of grief.
“How can you deal with something like that?” he asked himself. “How can you live with that? Please help me if you have an idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.”
Earlier in the day, Ngannou suggested in a separate post that something tragic had happened.
“What is the meaning of life if what we fight with all our might is what ultimately hits us the hardest!?” he wrote about X. “Why is life so unfair and merciless? Why does life always take what we don’t have? I’m damn tired.”
Francis Ngannou.
Mike Lawrie/Getty ImagesAfter news of Ngannou’s loss broke, members of the MMA community began expressing their support and condolences.
Conor McGregor commented: “I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, Francis. My prayers are with you and your family at this time ❤️🙏.”
Now a former UFC featherweight world champion Alexander Volkanovski wrote: “I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 🙏.”
Ngannou also posted the statement on his Instagram page, where the comments section was flooded with messages of support.
Anthony Joshuawhom Ngannou fought in a highly publicized boxing match on March 8, wrote, “May the memories you shared bring you comfort 🙏🏾.”
UFC fighter Maycee Barber She also expressed her condolences, writing: “I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for you and your family to be surrounded by peace, love and strength during this time 💔🙏🏼🕊️.”
Ngannou left the UFC in January 2023 after he and the organization were unable to agree on a new contract. In an interview with Ariel HelwaniNgannou said he pushed for health insurance, among other things, before contract negotiations stalled.
When he announced his departure, Ngannou was the reigning UFC heavyweight champion.