Cameroon

​Francis Ngannou, former UFC heavyweight champion and professional boxer, has shared the heartbreaking news of his 15-month-old son's demise. Ngannou posted a tribute on all his social media handles after the news broke out in his home country Cameroon on Monday (Apr 29).

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The 37-year-old 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. 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."

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Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor also shared his condolences and posted on his social media handle X: "I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time."

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Ngannou has had an inspirational journey as a fighter, first in MMA then in professional boxing. He had moved to Europe from Africa in his 20s. He won the 2021 UFC Championship by beating Stipe Miocic and then defended his belt as well.

He then left UFC to pursue a career in boxing. He took on Tyson Fury in October last year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia but lost the bout. Ngannou, however, impressed everyone with his skill as he took Fury to the edge, including landing a knockout punch in the third round before losing by split decision.

In the next fight, Anthony Joshua floored Ngannou in the Cameroon boxer's second professional boxing bout in March earlier this year.