Words may not be able to describe how hard it must be for Francis Ngannou to hold back his emotions following the tragic loss of his 15-month-old son, Kobe. Love and support have been pouring in for the French-Cameroonian across the combat sports community as his friend and former UFC colleague Kamaru Usman shared a message for ‘The Predator’ in these tough times.

Kamaru Usman and Francis Ngannou consider each other like siblings. Their comradery has always been something that fans have witnessed across several social media posts. As such, there was no doubt that Usman would reach out to him, but this time, it’s a post on social media.

Kamaru Usman’s message to “brother” Francis Ngannou

‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ has urged Francis Ngannou to trust in God in these tough times. He shared a few pictures from the time he spent recently with the former UFC heavyweight champion in Cameroon. Usman even recited Galatians Chapter 3, verse seven of the Bible, and mentioned that he is so far one of the toughest people he’s ever met, both from an emotional and physical standpoint. The former welterweight champion ended the message by assuring Ngannou how much he valued him and that he’d be available whenever he needed him to be.

“As they say, “God reserves the toughest battles for the toughest soldiers” love you, my brother [Francis Ngannou],” Kamaru Usman wrote. However, this was not the only medium through which ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ acted as a pillar of strength for the French-Cameroonian star. Usman even attended the recent funeral of Ngannou’s late son.

Usman attended Ngannou’s son’s funeral

Kamaru Usman was right there, standing beside Francis Ngannou during Kobe’s funeral. There were multiple snaps made available only from that ceremony, and ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ won fans over for being there when ‘The Predator’ needed someone like him the most. Both of them appeared to hold back their tears and avoid blubbering as their eyes were covered with sunglasses. Meanwhile, Usman is one of many notable names in the MMA sphere who have extended their condolences for his loss.

If names from the MMA world weren’t enough, Francis Ngannou also garnered the support of former Cameroon and Barcelona. Soccer legend Samuel Eto’o attended the funeral, according to several sources. Francis Ngannou has grown popular and is one of the most respected athletes, and the support he has received amidst his tragic loss is a testament to the kind of character he possesses.

Francis Ngannou’s life has been nothing short of a struggle to begin with. But his mental strength and determined attitude helped him become ‘The Predator’ we know today. Losing his son has only proved that these fighters, no matter how big of a celebrity athlete they are, also have their off-the-camera real-life problems.