Francis Ngannou Returns to MMA on Rousey-Carano MVP Card

Francis Ngannou is set to make a notable return to mixed martial arts (MMA) after a hiatus of 19 months. He will face Brazilian fighter Philipe Lins on May 16. This five-round heavyweight match will be featured as part of the inaugural MMA card by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), which is headlined by Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano in Los Angeles.

Ngannou’s MMA Comeback

The former UFC champion, Ngannou, has not competed in MMA since October 2024. In that match, he claimed victory against Renan Ferreira in the first round, securing the PFL Super Fights heavyweight championship. Ngannou expressed his thoughts on the upcoming fight, stating, “While the world was busy talking, I was busy evolving.”

He emphasized that his return signifies more than just a comeback. “Stepping back into the cage isn’t just a return – it’s a reclamation,” he added. Ngannou aims to showcase his skills on a significant platform, partnering with MVP to ensure global visibility through Netflix.

Background and Recent Events

Ngannou’s exit from the UFC in January 2023 was a significant development in the MMA world. As one of the biggest stars in the sport, his decision to leave the UFC sparked considerable conversation. He joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in May 2023, but only participated in one match under their banner.

His profile soared after a close boxing match against Tyson Fury in October 2023. Following that bout, he faced Anthony Joshua in 2024 but suffered a knockout defeat. Recently, Ngannou parted ways with the PFL, and it was announced that he had signed with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.

Philipe Lins: Ngannou’s Upcoming Opponent

• Philipe Lins is 40 years old.
• Former PFL heavyweight tournament champion.
• Has not fought since exiting the UFC on a four-fight win streak in March 2024.

Remarks from MVP Co-Founders

The co-founders of MVP, Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, praised Ngannou’s immense skill. They stated, “Francis Ngannou is unequivocally the best heavyweight MMA fighter in the world, and his addition creates star power on one card like never before seen in the sport.”

As Ngannou prepares for this high-stakes matchup, fans eagerly await what promises to be an electrifying event in the world of mixed martial arts.