Francis Ngannou is grappling with the devastating loss of his 15-month-old son Kobe, who died from an undiagnosed brain malformation, while trying to raise his daughter and return to his fighting career.
Francis Ngannou suffered an unspeakable tragedy when his 15-month-old son, Kobe, died.
An immensely private person, the former UFC heavyweight champion hadn’t really spoken publicly about his growing family outside the sport. However, he posted a heartfelt statement regarding the death of his son after the news was first revealed back in April. Three months later, Ngannou is still trying to cope with the loss while raising a daughter and preparing to return to work as a fighter in the PFL.
During an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Ngannou detailed the medical emergency that led to his son’s death.
“He has some malformation on his brain, which is something that we didn’t know,” Ngannou said. “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 pressing his chest and stopping him from breathing.”
“After all those exams, they gave him some medicine, saying he’s going to be OK—nothing to worry about.” At first, they even thought it might be asthma and gave him a ventilator but later removed it after more research. “It made me confident,” Ngannou added.
Ngannou trusted that the doctors had properly diagnosed the issues and that his son would inevitably recover. He ended up leaving his home in Cameroon to travel to Dubai for training at that time.
“I remember just getting into Dubai and mental-wise, I’m not doing bad,” Ngannou said. “Life is good. I went to the gym; maybe I should go to the club tonight.” Despite not usually going out much, he decided against it and went back to working out instead.
“I called his mom while on my bike at the gym; she didn’t pick up.” He planned on calling again after finishing up but got interrupted by a call from his little brother thirty minutes later while using a leg machine.
“Bro, things are not going well here,” said his brother over the phone. “What is it?” asked Ngannou anxiously. His brother replied: “Kobe passed out; he’s not breathing—we’re at the hospital—they kicked me out from the room.”
Ngannou called back only for a nurse at the hospital attempting verification of his relationship with Kobe before bluntly stating: “[She said], ‘Well, he’s gone.’ Just like that—he’s gone.”
“What do you mean he’s gone? How come?” questioned Ngannou in disbelief as reality hit hard—a joyful child full of life suddenly no more.
“I thought I was dreaming,” admitted Ngannou as everyone confirmed what felt unreal—his mother too breaking down into tears upon hearing it herself.
The news hit like a sledgehammer; comprehending seemed impossible despite knowing he’d provided every comfort possible for Kobe—including top-notch medical care—it ultimately didn’t matter.
“That hurt,” expressed Ngannou simply yet profoundly—“That hurt a lot.”
Kobe—named after late NBA star Kobe Bryant—was laid to rest but pain lingered long afterward despite support pouring in post-tragedy—a constant reminder through toys left behind now devoid of their playful owner forevermore absent yet ever-present within memory alone…
“You get back into your apartment seeing all those toys—the stuff played with just days prior—it hits hard realizing never again will they be touched by him…” shared Ngannou somberly reflecting upon daily struggles faced head-on one step at-a-time…
As preparations continue toward restarting fighting career later this year amidst ongoing grief over losing child—the solace found lies within eventual reunion someday beyond life itself…
“At least whenever I die—I’ll see my kid again,” concluded resolute yet reflective—“I’m not afraid anymore…still wanting life yet looking forward somehow towards inevitable reunion awaiting…”