Francis Ngannou is set to return to the cage on May 16, taking on Philipe Lins as part of a blockbuster card headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano under the Most Valuable Promotions banner.
The bout marks Ngannou’s long-awaited comeback to MMA after his high-profile venture into boxing, adding another major storyline to an already historic night of combat sports.
🚨 FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
Former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou returns to MMA to face Brazil’s Philipe Lins in a 5-round heavyweight clash. 💥
Ngannou vs Lins joins the historic card headlined by Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano as MVP brings its first-ever MMA event to the… pic.twitter.com/qhBtC2btvM
— MVP – Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) March 9, 2026
Ngannou (18-3) last competed in MMA in October 2024, when he defeated Renan Ferreira by first-round knockout at PFL’s Super Fights event. Prior to that, he ventured into boxing, where he suffered back-to-back high-profile losses against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
After recently parting ways with the PFL, Ngannou turned to the destination many expected, joining MVP’s Rousey vs. Carano card.
“While the world was busy talking, I was busy evolving,” Ngannou said in a statement.
“Silence shouldn’t be mistaken for absence, it’s the sound of a predator closing the distance. Stepping back into the cage isn’t just a return; it’s a reclamation. My return to MMA demanded a stage that matched the scale of my ambition, and partnering with MVP to bring this event to Netflix ensures the entire world is watching. I am ready for this new chapter, and I cannot wait to entertain my fans again and remind the world exactly who I am and what I am capable of delivering on a highest stage.”
Lins (18-5) has not fought since UFC 299 in 2024 where he beat Ion Cutelaba by decision.
“To be part of the first MMA event on Netflix is going to be amazing. I’m excited, very, very, very excited,” said Philipe Lins.
“I’m very happy and grateful to God for giving me this opportunity and for being with the right people to take care of my MMA career. MVP, Netflix, and Dominance MMA made this happen. I’m very happy to be fighting on this card with so many legends. Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano, Francis Ngannou, we’re going to make history, and to be a part of this moment is amazing to me.”
MVP: Rousey vs Carano takes place on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, CA. It will broadcast live on Netflix.
