Francis Ngannou lays tragic 15-month-old son to rest with fellow UFC icon and football legend among mourners at funeral
FRANCIS NGANNOU was joined by close friend Kamaru Usman as he laid his son Kobe to rest on Friday.
The former UFC champion, 37, announced the tragic death of his 15-month-old son earlier this week.
Ngannou heartbreakingly shared his grief on social media following the unthinkable news.
Plenty of the Cameroonian’s fellow fighters paid their respects on social media, with Anthony Joshua and Conor McGregor among those to leave messages of condolence.
As Ngannou laid Kobe to rest, he was flanked by fellow former UFC champion Usman, 36.
Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto’o, 43, also turned up to pay his respects.
Earlier this week, Ngannou wrote on social media: “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.”
Father-of-four McGregor, 35, commented: “No parent should ever have to go through this My deepest sympathies.”
Ngannou’s former opponent Joshua, 34, added: “May the memories you shared bring you comfort.”
Inspirational figure Ngannou overcame poverty to become one of combat sport’s biggest superstars.
He became UFC heavyweight champion in 2020 when he defeated Stipe Miocic in Las Vegas.
Ngannou successfully defended his belt against Ciryl Gane in January 2022, before leaving the promotion after failing to agree fair terms.
He went on to transition to boxing to fight Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last October – with the bout going to a controversial decision.
“The Predator” then headed to Riyadh again in March, where he faced Joshua in a lucrative bout.
Ngannou is also signed to UFC rival promotion the PFL, and in February it was announced that he would return to MMA to fight Renan Ferreira.