Francis Ngannou has announced the tragic death of his son at the age of just 15 months old.
Ngannou appeared to confirm the saddening news in an emotional post on X after an initial report on Monday evening.
Ngannou is regarded as one of the best fighters to have competed in the UFC [Ultimate Fighting Championship].
The 37-year-old made his debut for the promotion company in 2015 and went on to become world heavyweight champion six years later.
Ngannou, who has won 17 of his 20 professional mixed martial arts fights, then left the UFC.
He is now signed to the Professional Fighters League but has more recently fought in boxing matches.
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have been his two opponents so far in the ring, with Ngannou losing both bouts.
He appeared to be set to return to MMA this summer, potentially against Renan Ferreira. However, the horrific news about his son will inevitably throw that into doubt.
