Francis Ngannou knocks out Philipe Lins to claim best heavyweight status

Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou knocked out Philipe Lins in the first round of their heavyweight clash in California on Saturday to extend his winning streak to eight mixed martial arts fights.

The 39-year-old landed a devastating left hook to the temple at four minutes and 31 seconds of the opening round at the Intuit Dome.

Co-headlining the inaugural MMA event hosted by Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions, the Cameroonian fighter looked as explosive as ever despite recent inactivity.

Following the swift victory, the formidable striker confidently declared himself the greatest heavyweight on the planet.

Jon Jones watches from ringside

“Period — I’m the f—ing best, period.”

– Francis Ngannou

Current UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones was in attendance to watch his long-time rival secure another impressive stoppage win.

A cross-promotional bout remains highly unlikely due to exclusive contracts, but the American gestured towards the cage and indicated on the broadcast that he wishes to leave the UFC.

Event promoter Jake Paul has also expressed interest in facing the former PFL star, having previously pursued a boxing exhibition against him last year.

Unrelenting power remains intact

This latest triumph marks the veteran’s first standing knockout in an MMA cage since 2021, showcasing the raw power that initially propelled him to global fame.

The renowned knockout artist previously stepped away from the octagon for two years to pursue high-profile boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Despite sitting out the entire 2025 calendar year while navigating a departure from the Professional Fighters League, the heavyweight titan showed no signs of ring rust.

Lins bravely absorbed the early exchanges, but the Brazilian was visibly overwhelmed after being spun around by a heavy leg kick and bloodied in the opening minutes.

Fully recovered from historical knee injuries, the victor continues to prove his status as one of combat sports’ most dangerous competitors.