Francis Ngannou's 15-month-old son Kobe has died, the mixed martial artist and boxer has confirmed in a social media post.

The 37-year-old fighter posted a photo of his son on X on Monday evening, with the date of Kobe's death marked as Saturday 27 April.

"Too soon to leave but yet he's gone," Ngannou wrote in the post.

"My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he's laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he's not responding.

"I was my best self next to him and now I have no clue of who I am. Life is so unfair to hit us where it hurts the most.

"How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it?"

Fellow UFC fighter Conor McGregor was among those who posted a message of condolence.

"Absolutely gutted reading this Francis," McGregor wrote.

"I can only imagine the pain you are in right now I am so sorry hearing this news. I pray God has the best and safest place in heaven for him, until you meet again."

The French-Cameroonian's trainer Eric Nicksick also expressed his condolences, writing: "It's been a heavy few days, words can't express the pain we all feel for the Ngannou family during this time.

"Please keep Francis and his family in your heart, and may this be a reminder of the fragility of life. Say 'I love you,' more often, tomorrow isn't guaranteed."

Ngannou rose from poverty growing up in Cameroon to become UFC heavyweight champion and then made the switch from MMA to boxing last year.

He pushed Tyson Fury all the way in his first professional boxing match in Saudi Arabia last October, losing via split decision, and was stopped in the second round by Anthony Joshua in March.