In a recent interview with Joe Rogan, Francis Ngannou opened up about the devastating loss of his 15-month-old son.
The former UFC star-turned-boxer shared how the tragedy impacted him deeply, revealing that the incident left him broken for months.
Ngannou first shared the heartbreaking news of his son Kobe’s death on social media in April.
Initially, the cause of death was unclear, but during his recent appearance on *The Joe Rogan Experience* podcast, Ngannou disclosed that it was due to a brain malformation.
He recounted that doctors had initially diagnosed Kobe with a swollen lung and prescribed medication. This led Ngannou to let his guard down, thinking his son was getting better.
However, while he was in Dubai, he received a phone call from his younger brother with the devastating news that Kobe had passed away.
The Heartbreak
Ngannou described the moment his brother called him, saying, “My phone rang; it was my little brother, saying, ‘Bro, things are not going well here.’
He said Kobe had passed out and wasn’t breathing. They were at the hospital, and they had kicked him out of the room.”
A nurse later confirmed to Ngannou’s brother that Kobe had indeed died.
Ngannou explained that the loss left him feeling utterly empty, saying, “In your heart, you feel like you’re broken.
You have nothing. Nothing is worth it.”
Reflecting on Life
Ngannou shared how the loss of his son altered his perspective on life.
He admitted, “I’ve always loved life and felt I had everything, but now I think, at least when I die, I’ll get to see my kid again. I’m not afraid of it.”
In his Instagram post in April, Ngannou expressed his grief, stating, “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.”
He continued, “I was my best self next to him, and now I have no clue 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.”
Support from the Fight Community
Following this tragic news, fellow fighters and friends offered their condolences.
Anthony Joshua, Ngannou’s recent opponent, commented on Instagram, “May the memories you shared bring you comfort.”
Conor McGregor, who trained with Ngannou, expressed his sorrow, saying, “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.”
Other notable figures in the boxing world, including Manny Pacquiao, Cain Velasquez, and Tony Bellew, also paid tribute to Ngannou during this incredibly difficult time.
Mine Crypto. Earn $GOATS while it is free! Click Here!!