Francis Ngannou to fight Philipe Lins on MVP’s inaugural MMA card
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will return to mixed martial arts to face Philipe Lins on 16 May as part of Most Valuable Promotions’ inaugural MMA card on Netflix.
The five-round heavyweight bout serves as the co-main event to the headline clash between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.
It marks the Cameroonian fighter’s first appearance in the cage since he stopped Renan Ferreira in the first round to claim the PFL Super Fights title last October.
This latest announcement arrives just days after the renowned knockout artist confirmed his departure from the Professional Fighters League.
A new chapter on a global stage
He initially joined the PFL in 2023 on a unique contract that allowed him to pursue high-profile boxing matches alongside his mixed martial arts commitments.
During that brief stint, the 38-year-old nearly upset Tyson Fury before suffering a devastating stoppage loss to Anthony Joshua earlier this year.
“Stepping back into the cage isn’t just a return; it’s a reclamation.”
The former Parisian added that his return demanded a stage matching his ambition, noting that partnering with MVP and streaming giant Netflix ensures worldwide visibility.
Familiar heavyweight pedigree
Ngannou famously departed the Ultimate Fighting Championship in early 2023 following a bitter contract dispute, vacating the heavyweight championship he won by dismantling Stipe Miocic in 2021.
His upcoming Brazilian opponent boasts vast combat experience across the UFC, Bellator, and PFL promotions.
Lins recently enjoyed a four-fight winning streak as a light-heavyweight in the UFC before being released from his contract in March 2024.
“Francis is one of the most feared knockout artists the sport has ever seen, and his return to MMA instantly makes this a historic night.”
MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian promised that adding arguably the best heavyweight in the world creates unprecedented star power for their debut mixed martial arts event.
