Former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, lost his 15 month-old son Kobe back in April, just a few weeks removed from his knockout loss to former unified boxing champion Anthony Joshua in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
At the age of 37, Ngannou recently opened up about the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding the untimely death of his son.
“He had some malformation on his brain, which is something that we didn’t know,” Ngannou said during a recent appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast (transcribed by MMA Fighting). “He passed out twice. The first time was in Cameroon, we took him to the hospital. They didn’t find anything. The second time was in [Saudi Arabia], we took him to the hospital. They ran a lot of exams, they didn’t do anything. They did the EEG, they didn’t do the [CAT] scan or MRI, because according to them, their conclusion was that he had a swollen lung. That is what was pressing his chest and stopping him from breathing and it created that thing.”
Ngannou reassured everyone, stating that the medicine given to him post-exams would ensure his recovery. Initially, there were concerns about asthma, leading to the provision of a ventilator. However, subsequent research negated the need for it, instilling confidence in him. Reflecting on his mental state upon arriving in Dubai, he felt positive and content with life. He contemplated going to a club, a departure from his usual routine, but ultimately decided to hit the gym for a workout. While cycling in the back, he attempted to reach out to someone, wanting to have a conversation. Unfortunately, he was unable to connect with the person’s mother when he dialed her number.
Ngannou revealed, “Once I finish my tasks, my plan is to head straight to the shower, then cozy up in bed and give him a call. Little did I know, thirty minutes later, while I was busy working out on the leg machine, my phone unexpectedly rang. On the other end was my younger brother, sounding extremely troubled. He urgently informed me, ‘Bro, things are really bad over here.’ Confused and concerned, I immediately asked for clarification. He hesitantly replied, ‘Kobe, he suddenly collapsed and is struggling to breathe. We rushed him to the hospital, but they forced me to leave the room.’ Shocked and bewildered, I asked for more details, desperately trying to stay connected with my brother amidst this chaotic situation. Unfortunately, our conversation was interrupted, and I lost contact with him for a brief period of three to four minutes.”
Ngannou recounted, “The nurse simply stated, ‘Well, he’s gone.’ It was so sudden, as if he had vanished into thin air,” Ngannou explained. “I couldn’t comprehend it. How could he be gone? He was only 15 months old, but he seemed so much bigger, growing and full of joy. How could he be gone? Where did he go? I couldn’t believe it, thinking it was all a terrible dream. I expected someone to tell me it wasn’t true, but everyone I called confirmed it. I even called my mother, and she was in tears. What on earth was happening? It was just incomprehensible.”
Ngannou expressed, “As I entered the apartment, I was greeted by the sight of all his toys and belongings, which I had taken from him recently and placed here. However, he is no longer here, and will never be here again. When asked about what would bring me comfort or what I desire, I am at a loss. There is nothing that can fill this void. Each day, I must confront this reality, taking it one step at a time. At least when my time comes to pass, I will finally be able to reunite with my child. I am not afraid of death. Although I still yearn to live, there is a part of me that looks forward to that moment.”
Ngannou, who now fights for PFL, is expected to make his return to MMA in October.
