Francis Ngannou has opened up on recent reports that he was involved in a woman’s death in Cameroon.
Former UFC heavyweight titleholder Francis Ngannou‘s last year of his life and career has been a tumultuous period. Ngannou’s two boxing losses to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, and the tragic loss of his son due to a medical issue, all swirled in the former UFC star’s mind over the last 12 months.
Add another recent incident to Ngannou’s plate, in which the current PFL standout allegedly got into a motorcycle accident in Cameroon, which resulted in the death of a young woman.
Various Cameroonian news outlets reported that Ngannou was driving a motorcycle in Yaounde, near his childhood home, when he accidentally struck a female pedestrian. Ngannou then rushed the young woman to a local hospital, and reportedly provided financial assistance, before the woman tragically passed away from the injuries sustained the the accident.
Francis Ngannou opens up on recent fatal motorcycle accident near his childhood home
Since the accident was first reported weeks ago, Ngannou has kept a low profile on his social media platforms. For the first time since the fatal incident, Ngannou has broken his silence.
During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Ngannou issued his first public remarks on the tragic accident.
“I’ve met with them privately to share in their grief, and I will continue to stand with them every step of the way,” Ngannou said.
“I carry their pain with me, and my unwavering thoughts and support remain with them as they face this heartbreaking loss.”
Ngannou was pressed for further comment from TMZ Sports, but was unable to reveal further details regarding the incident as it continues to be investigated. Local authorities haven’t issued a public statement, as of this writing, on the status of the investigation.
Ngannou hasn’t fought since an MMA win over 2023 PFL champion Renan Ferreira last year. It was his first MMA appearance since departing the UFC in early 2023 following a lengthy contract dispute with UFC CEO Dana White and the promotional brass.
Francis Ngannou’s potential boxing return hits a speed bump over ongoing investigation
As the investigation in Cameroon rages on, Ngannou still plans to return to fighting later this year, likely in the boxing ring, against another big heavyweight name. Deontay Wilder is at the top of the list of Ngannou’s next potential opponents for either an MMA or boxing bout.
Wilder returns to the ring against Tyrrell Anthony Herndon next month in Wichita for his boxing return, after losses in four of his last five fights. He’s looking to bounce back after a one-punch knockout defeat to Zhilei Zhang last June.
Ngannou’s PFL status was briefly uncertain until founder Donn Davis squashed ‘fake news’ reports that his contract was up in the air. According to Davis, Ngannou has two fights left on his PFL deal after signing in 2023.