Francis Ngannou defends lineal heavyweight MMA status against Philipe Lins
Francis Ngannou believes he is defending his status as the lineal heavyweight MMA world champion when he makes his return against Philipe Lins in California this Saturday.
The 39-year-old vacated his championship in 2023 at the peak of his career and has secured one mixed martial arts victory in the PFL since his highly publicised departure.
Despite Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall claiming UFC gold during his absence, the Cameroonian fighter is still widely regarded as the premier heavyweight on the planet.
Standing firm against the UFC
“I never lost the UFC title but I didn’t lose the PFL title either.”
Francis Ngannou
The fearsome striker described the conclusion of his tenure with the world’s largest MMA promotion as a horrible experience marked by a bitter fallout with president Dana White.
He is now scheduled to feature on the upcoming MVP-Netflix card, an event highlighted by Ronda Rousey returning to the cage after a decade away.
“The contracts are not fair – they give all the rights to the promoter and don’t protect the fighter.”
Francis Ngannou
Paving a lucrative alternative path
Breaking away from the traditional combat sports model allowed the heavyweight powerhouse to secure massive paydays in the boxing ring against both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
He hopes the MVP venture, spearheaded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, can successfully challenge the established monopoly and offer fighters a legitimate financial alternative.
“The fighters are just an asset and they can get rid of you when they want. If you don’t fight you don’t get paid and you have no right to do anything else.”
Francis Ngannou
“If someone asks my advice I would say ‘stand your ground and believe in yourself’.”
Francis Ngannou
Keeping the boxing door open
Paul recently revealed that his own boxing future remains uncertain as he continues recovering from a broken jaw sustained against Joshua last December.
While the American promoter considers his medical options, Ngannou remains open to a potential crossover bout despite rejecting a similar offer last year.
“I didn’t say I want to fight Jake Paul. I said if he keeps insisting then…”
Francis Ngannou