Cristiano Ronaldo shared an emotional conversation with Francis Ngannou before the MMA fighter’s successful return to the octagon on Saturday evening. Ngannou, who transitioned from the UFC to boxing last year, faced a tough period after losing to Tyson Fury by points and being knocked out by Anthony Joshua in March. However, he made a triumphant comeback by knocking out Renan Ferreira in the first round of his debut fight for the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Ngannou dedicated the victory to his late son, Kobe, who tragically passed away just 15 months earlier.
Prior to the fight, Ronaldo visited Ngannou in his dressing room, where the fighter’s trainer, Eric Nicksick, shared insights about their conversation. Nicksick described Ronaldo as “super down to earth” and noted that the football star is a huge fan of fighting. “He had a bunch of questions, like he was talking to me about [Sean] Strickland, and it was really down to earth,” Nicksick said.
During the visit, as Ngannou prepared for his fight, Ronaldo expressed how he could feel the fighter’s energy and felt compelled to offer words of encouragement. He opened up about his own personal tragedy, relating to Ngannou’s loss of his child during childbirth in April 2022. “It was actually pretty cool,” Nicksick recalled. “Sitting next to me and having this very personal conversation, he felt like he was part of the team right then and there.”
Ronaldo’s son, Cristiano Jr., was also present during this poignant moment, adding a sense of familial warmth to the atmosphere. Nicksick appreciated the energy Ronaldo brought to the room, especially given his status and understanding of high-pressure situations.
After his fight, an emotional Ngannou dedicated his victory to his late son. “I can’t think about anything other than my son Kobe. I only took this fight because of him and I’m done,” Ngannou expressed, visibly moved. “I hope they can remember his name because, without Kobe, we wouldn’t be here tonight and I wouldn’t have fought. It has been tough. Not only the training camp but the past few days have been full of emotion.”
Ngannou reflected on the emotional toll of his journey, stating, “I tried to be strong and give everything to keep moving but it’s hard. I think my next move in combat sports depends on me; how I feel and how I deal with my life right now. I always thought I have a lot to give in combat sport and hopefully I keep thinking that way and keep that thought in life. I just want to say, please remember my son, remember my son Kobe.”