Francis Ngannou appeared on Joe Rogan's “The JRE MMA Show” on Tuesday and spoke about the death of his 15-month-old son.
Emotionally exterior During Rogan's show, the former UFC heavyweight champion spoke publicly for the first time since losing his 15-month-old son, Kobe, in April. Ngannou shared heartbreaking details about his son's sudden health issues and subsequent death. Ngannou revealed that Kobe had suffered brain complications.
“He had some kind of brain malformation that we didn't know about,” Ngannou explained. “He fainted twice. The first time was in Cameroon, they took him to the hospital and they found nothing. The second time was in Saudi Arabia, they took him to the hospital and they did a lot of tests.”
Doctors in Saudi Arabia misdiagnosed the condition as swelling in the lungs and attributed it to breathing difficulties. They treated him with medication and reassured Ngannou that his son would recover. The mixed martial artist admitted he felt a sense of relief after the doctors' diagnosis and believed the medical team had correctly identified and treated the problem.
What is the purpose of life if the things we fight so hard to escape are the ones that ultimately hit us the hardest?
Why is life so unfair and cruel?
Why does life always take away what we don't have? I'm so tired— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) April 29, 2024
But while in Dubai, he got a call from his brother informing him that Kobe had collapsed again and wasn't breathing. “The phone rang. It was my brother. He said, 'Brother, things aren't good here,'” Ngannou told Logan. “Kobe passed out. Not breathing. We're in the hospital, they kicked me out of the room.” (RELATED: Former NFL star Giovani Bernard announces death of newborn baby)
After the call ended, Ngannou called back to get more information. As he was speaking with his brother, a nurse approached him and told him over the phone that his son had died. Despite the grief of losing his son, Ngannou takes solace in the belief that he will be reunited with his son after his own life.
“At least, whenever I die, I'll see my kids. I'm not scared,” he said.
