Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou was reportedly involved in a fatal road accident in his home country, Cameroon.
Reports indicate that a 17-year-old girl died in the Omnisports District of Yaounde after a collision involving a motorcycle Ngannou was riding.
Cameroonian media sources reported that the girl sustained severe injuries to her arm and leg.
Ngannou quickly took her to the Yaounde General Hospital, but unfortunately, she did not survive her injuries.
Ngannou, aged 38, is reportedly devastated by the tragic accident.
It is claimed that the Professional Fighters League Super Fights Heavyweight Champion, who has not yet commented publicly on the incident, covered the victim`s medical costs.
This incident is the latest tragedy involving the prominent Cameroonian figure, who recently transitioned to boxing with fights against Tyson Fury in October 2023 and Anthony Joshua in March 2024.
Last April, Ngannou experienced another profound loss with the death of his 15-month-old son, Kobe.
Known as `The Predator`, Ngannou shared the painful details of Kobe`s death during an interview on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
Ngannou revealed that Kobe had an undiagnosed brain malformation. His son had lost consciousness twice before. The first time in Cameroon, hospital tests found nothing. The second time in Saudi Arabia, extensive tests were performed, but doctors concluded he had a swollen lung causing breathing issues and reassured Ngannou he would recover with medication. Initially suspecting asthma, they used a ventilator but later removed it after further evaluation, leaving Ngannou feeling confident about his son`s condition.
After leaving Cameroon for a training camp in Dubai, Ngannou tried to call his family for updates on Kobe but couldn`t reach them immediately. While at the gym, his younger brother called with alarming news, reporting that Kobe had collapsed and stopped breathing and they were at the hospital. In a devastating follow-up call moments later, Ngannou heard a nurse inform his brother that his son had passed away. He described his shock and disbelief, recounting how Kobe, a vibrant and happy 15-month-old, was suddenly gone.
Ngannou returned to MMA competition last October, achieving a TKO victory against Renan Ferreira in Saudi Arabia.
After the win, he was visibly emotional, shedding tears and dedicating the victory to the memory of his late son.
Ngannou spoke tearfully, stating, “I can`t think about anything other than my son, Kobe. I only took this fight because of him, I took the fight for him. I hope they can remember his name because without Kobe, we wouldn`t be here tonight. I wouldn`t have fought.”
