Francis Ngannou Reflects on Uncertainty of Continuing His Fighting Career After the Passing of Son Kobe

Francis Ngannou made his return to the octagon last weekend after enduring a family tragedy six months earlier, confessing that he questioned if he would ever step back into the ring.

TMZ Sports had a conversation with the 38-year-old former UFC champion who is now a boxer/PFL fighter just a few days post his impressive first-round knockout against Renan Ferreira in Saudi Arabia … he became emotional after the match while reflecting on the heartbreaking loss of his son, Kobe.

“Certainly [I was unsure of returning to fighting]. There was a moment where everything felt incredibly fragile,” Francis shared with us, mentioning how his thoughts were racing uncontrollably during that devastating period.

“You were unsure if it was something genetically passed down, a genetic illness. You didn’t know if it was a curse or simply bad fortune that could keep occurring. During that time, numerous thoughts crowded your mind, including ideas you never usually ponder.”

Ngannou appeared to handle the fight with exceptional ease … but he revealed that it was “by far the most challenging” contest of his life on a mental and emotional level.

In the end, when it came time for him to re-enter the cage, Francis realized that the anguish would remain permanent … therefore, there was no reason to postpone his return.

“I sensed that there wouldn’t come a moment where the pain would lessen, that it would become alright. It’s one of those realities you quickly acknowledge – you might as well learn to cope with it because it will always exist.”