Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou involved in fatal motorcycle crash

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou released a statement following his involvement in a fatal motorcycle accident. It resulted in the death of a 17-year-old girl, identified as Ntsama Brigitte Manuella, according to the Hindustan Times.

According to local news outlets in Cameroon, Ngannou’s home country, he was driving the motor vehicle when he struck a female in the streets of Yaounde in April. The MMA fighter and boxer transported the woman to the hospital and provided financial assistance, but she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.

Ngannou, who now fights as a boxer, as well as continuing his MMA career with the PFL, had a heavy heart after the incident. His statement can be read below.

“From the very beginning, I have been by the family’s side, offering support, comfort, and deepest condolences during this time,” Ngannou said, via TMZ Sports. “I’ve met with them privately to share in their grief, and I will continue to stand with them every step of the way. I carry their pain with me, and my unwavering thoughts and support remain with them as they face this heartbreaking loss.”

The investigation is still ongoing. Ngannou did not provide any further comment regarding the matter from April.

Ngannou was recently back in the MMA cage on October 19, 2024, when he fought Renan Ferreira for the inaugural PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Championship. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.

It was his first MMA fight in nearly three years after defending and unifying the UFC heavyweight title back on January 22, 2022.

Ngannou signed with the PFL in May of 2023 after negotiations with the UFC eventually fell through and were almost non-existent. The relationship between the two sides was strained after Ngannou reclaimed his heavyweight belt.

With no scheduled next fight under the UFC banner and the lack of a matchup with current champion and MMA GOAT Jon Jones, Ngannou opted for greener pastures in his mind.

Ngannou also ventured into professional boxing, landing superfights with undefeated and Lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in October of 2023. He lost to Fury via split decision.

However, Ngannou managed to face former champion Anthony Joshua on March 8, 2024, giving him a crack at a win-and-get-a-title-shot scenario. However, Joshua won the fight via second round knockout.

Ngannou is 18-3 in his mixed martial arts career. As of right now, it is unclear when the 38-year-old will return to the cage or ring.