FRANCIS NGANNOU'S 18-month old son has tragically died, according to reports.
Reports broke from Cameroonian outlet 237online.com about the tragic events which Ngannou appeared to confirm on social media.
On Ngannou's X account, he heartbreakingly wrote: "What's the purpose of life if what we're fighting tooth and nail to get away from is what finally hit us the hardest!?
"Why is life so unfair and merciless? Why does life always take what we don't have? I'm f***ing tired."
Fans were quick to share their well-wishes for the boxer, who recently fought both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, amidst the shock news.
Fellow UFC star Conor McGregor wrote: "I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time."
READ MORE ON NGANNOU
A fellow well-wisher wrote: "No parent should ever have to go through this 💔 My deepest sympathies."
Another fan wrote: "Incredibly sorry for your loss - unimaginable 🙏🏼"
Ngannou was UFC heavyweight champion between 2020 and 2023 before he left to pursue a career in boxing.
That saw him give Tyson Fury an almighty scare in October last year when he dropped the Brit in the fifth round.
That was despite the fight being Ngannou's first ever professional bout.
His training saw him strike up a close relationship with boxing legend Mike Tyson, who trained him for his fight against the Gypsy King.
He went on to lose to Anthony Joshua in his second professional bout last month.
MORE TO FOLLOW...
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.