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.

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Ngannou painfully shared his pain on social media after the unthinkable news.

Many fellow Cameroonian fighters paid their respects on social media, with Anthony Joshua and Conor McGregor among those who left messages of condolence.

As Ngannou laid Kobe to rest, he was accompanied by former UFC champion Usman, 36.

Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto’o, 43, also attended to pay his respects.

Earlier this week, Ngannou wrote on social media: “It is too early to leave, but he is already gone.

“My little boy, my partner, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy.

“I did my best alongside him and now I have no idea who I am. Life is so unfair to hit us where it hurts most.

“How do you deal with something like that? 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 it.”

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McGregor, 35, father of four, commented: “No parent should have to go through this My deepest condolences.”

Ngannou’s former opponent Joshua, 34, added: “May the memories you shared bring you comfort.”

An inspirational figure, Ngannou overcame poverty to become one of combat sport’s biggest stars.

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 reach an agreement on fair terms.

He made the transition to boxing to fight Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last October – with the fight taking a controversial decision.

“The Predator” then headed to Riyadh again in March, where he faced Joshua in a lucrative fight.

Ngannou also signed a contract with the UFC’s rival promotion, PFL, and in February it was announced that he would return to MMA to fight Renan Ferreira.

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