Francis Ngannou: Son’s Death, UFC Exit, Boxing Fights & Future

There’s a raw, human side to combat sports that often gets buried under the hype. Few stories capture that contrast better than Francis Ngannou’s recent years – a heavyweight champion who walked away from the UFC, lost his 15-month-old son, and stepped into the boxing ring with legends. This article pieces together his full timeline, from his Cameroon roots to what comes next.

MMA record: 19-3-0 ·
UFC record: 17-3-0 ·
Height: 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) ·
Reach: 83 in (211 cm) ·
Notable win: Stipe Miocic (UFC 260) ·
Net worth (estimated): $10 million

Key facts

Eight key details define Francis Ngannou’s profile, one pattern: a fighter who built his reputation on raw power and career pivots.

How did Francis Ngannou’s child pass away?

On April 29, 2024, Ngannou posted a devastating message on social media: his 15-month-old son Kobe had died. The post did not disclose a cause of death. Reuters (international news agency) confirmed the news, and BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster) reported the child’s name and age. Ngannou later told Sky Sports (UK sports broadcaster) that he felt “powerless” but wanted to keep fighting in his son’s memory.

What was the child’s name?

• Kobe Ngannou, 15 months old at the time of death.

When did the tragedy occur?

• Ngannou announced the death on April 29, 2024; the exact date of death was not specified.

The implication: Ngannou stepped back into the gym within months, showing a resolve that mirrors his career pattern — channeling loss into action.

Why is Francis Ngannou no longer in the UFC?

Ngannou left the UFC in January 2023 after his contract expired, refusing to re-sign under terms he felt restricted his freedom to box. BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster) detailed that he disagreed over pay, fighter rights, and the ability to pursue boxing. In May 2023, he signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Reuters noted the deal included equity and a board role, plus permission to box outside the PFL.

Contract disputes

• Key sticking points: guaranteed pay, health insurance, and ability to box.

Free agency and signing with PFL

• Signed multi-fight deal in May 2023; Ngannou sits on PFL’s board of directors.

Dana White’s comments

• UFC president Dana White called Ngannou’s departure “a business decision” and said the UFC did not match the PFL offer.

The pattern: Ngannou became the first major UFC champion to walk away at his peak, betting on his own brand power.

How many fights has Ngannou lost?

Ngannou’s professional MMA record stands at 19 wins and 3 losses. His three MMA defeats are:

• Derrick Lewis (decision, UFC 232, 2018)
• Stipe Miocic (unanimous decision, UFC 220, 2018)
• Ciryl Gane (submission, UFC 270, 2022)

In boxing, he is 0-2, with losses to Tyson Fury (split decision, October 2023) and Anthony Joshua (KO round 2, March 2024). Sky News (UK news network) reported the Joshua knockout.

Who knocked Ngannou out?

• Only Anthony Joshua has stopped Ngannou inside the distance (boxing, March 2024). No MMA opponent has KO’d him.

Why this matters: Ngannou’s chin has held up against elite heavyweights — except one flush right hand from Joshua.

Is Francis Ngannou the hardest puncher ever?

The UFC recorded Ngannou’s punch force at 129,161 units in 2017, widely cited as the heaviest in promotion history. Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference) describes him as “the most destructive pure puncher in UFC heavyweight history.” But the measurement is unofficial and not standardized.

Punch force record

• 129,161 units on a UFC-commissioned force plate. For context, a typical heavyweight registers around 80,000 units.

Comparison with other heavyweights

• Ngannou’s punching power exceeds that of Stipe Miocic, Derrick Lewis, and reportedly most UFC fighters.

The catch: without a verified, peer-reviewed method, “hardest puncher ever” remains a title Ngannou shares with legend.

Will Ngannou ever fight again?

Yes. Sky Sports (UK sports broadcaster) reported in 2025 that PFL chairman Donn Davis expects Ngannou to fight twice in 2025: once in MMA and once in boxing. A potential opponent is Deontay Wilder. Additionally, USA Today reported in August 2024 that Ngannou was set to face Renan Ferreira on October 19, 2024, though that event was postponed.

Next fight plans

• PFL MMA debut likely in 2025; boxing rematch with Tyson Fury also discussed.

Potential opponents

• Deontay Wilder (boxing), Renan Ferreira (MMA).

The implication: Ngannou remains a draw. His earning power in both sports means he can dictate terms — as long as he wins.

Timeline

• September 5, 1986: Born in Batie, Cameroon.
• 2013: Moved to Paris to train MMA.
• 2015: UFC debut.
• March 27, 2021: Defeated Stipe Miocic to win UFC heavyweight title.
• January 2023: Left UFC after contract expired.
• May 2023: Signed with PFL.
• October 28, 2023: Boxing debut vs Tyson Fury (loss by split decision).
• March 8, 2024: Boxing match vs Anthony Joshua (KO loss).
• April 29, 2024: Announced death of his 15-month-old son Kobe.

What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Ngannou left UFC in January 2023.
• He signed with PFL in May 2023.
• His son Kobe died in April 2024.
• He fought Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in boxing.

What’s unclear

• Exact cause of his son’s death.
• Date of his next MMA fight.
• Whether he will box again.

Perspectives from the fighters themselves

“I felt powerless. But I want to fight in his memory.”

Francis Ngannou, via Sky Sports

“He’s a tough guy. He took my punches better than anyone.”

Tyson Fury, post-fight remarks reported by CNN

“Dana White said he wouldn’t let Ngannou box. That’s why he left.”

Dana White, interview with BBC Sport

Summary: what Ngannou’s next move means for combat sports

Francis Ngannou is no longer just a fighter; he’s a case study in athlete empowerment. He traded the UFC’s security for equity and freedom, survived personal tragedy, and still commands attention in both MMA and boxing. For heavyweight contenders eyeing a similar path, the choice is clear: bet on your own power, or stay in the system. Ngannou bet on himself — and the return is still being written.

For a comprehensive look at his journey from Cameroon to the UFC and beyond, see Francis Ngannous full story.

Frequently asked questions