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MMA legend announces death of 1-year-old son: 'Life is so unfair'

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Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou announced the death of his 15-month-old son, Kobe, in a social media post Monday. No cause of death was given. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan, File)AP

MMA star Francis Ngannou's 15-month-old son, Kobe, has died, the fighter and boxer announced Monday.

Ngannou, 37, announced the news of his son's death on social media. No cause of death was given.

"Too soon to leave but yet he's gone," Ngannou wrote in an Instagram post. "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," he added.

Ngannou's post on Monday came hours after an earlier post alluding to his son's death.

"What's the purpose of life if what we're fighting tooth and nail to get away from is what finally hit us the hardest!?," he said in a Tweet. "Why is life so unfair and merciless? Why does life always take what we don't have? I'm (expletive) tired."

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Ngannou's trainer, Eric Nicksick, expressed his support for the former UFC champion and his family.

'"You've been our rock, our guiding light through thick and thin," Nicksaid said in an Instagram post. "Now, as you face this unimaginable loss, please know that we're here for you, ready to be your support just as you've always been for us. Lean on us, cry with us, and let us share the burden of your grief. Together, we'll navigate this dark time, and together, we'll find a way to honor and remember your precious Kobe. You're not alone in this, and you never will be."

Ngannou, a native of Cameroon, competed in UFC from 2015 to 2022 and compiled a 17-3 record while headlining six events - including two against Cleveland native Stipe Miocic. He lost the first fight to Miocic at UFC 220 in January 2018, but won the rematch at UFC 260 in March 2021. In Ngannou's final UFC bout, he defeated Ciryl Gane to win the UFC heavyweight championship in the main event at UFC 270 in January 2022.

In May 2023, Ngannou left UFC and signed with the Professional Fighters League as a boxer. He is 0-2 since joining PFL, having lost to World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in October 2023 and former unified world heavy weight champion Anthony Joshua in March 2024.

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