Francis Ngannou Returns to MMA on Rousey-Carano Card
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will return to mixed martial arts on May 16, co-main eventing a fight card headlined by Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano. The event, hosted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), will stream live on Netflix at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
Ngannou’s Journey Back to MMA
Ngannou (18-3, 4 Submissions, 13 KOs) last competed in MMA in October 2024, securing a first-round victory over Renan Ferreira in a PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Championship bout . Prior to his PFL stint, Ngannou experienced a parting of ways with the UFC due to a financial disagreement with Dana White in 2023 .
In between his MMA commitments, Ngannou ventured into the world of boxing, facing Tyson Fury in October 2023 and Anthony Joshua in March 2024, both resulting in losses.
Matchup Against Philipe Lins
Ngannou will face Brazil’s Philipe Lins (18-5, 4 Submissions, 9 KOs) in a five-round heavyweight contest . Lins, a former PFL champion, also has experience competing in Bellator and the UFC.
MVP and Netflix Partnership
This return marks a latest chapter for Ngannou, partnering with Jake Paul’s MVP and leveraging Netflix’s streaming platform for a global audience. MVP, established in 2021, has gained attention for its unconventional boxing events, including fights featuring Jake Paul himself .
Ngannou’s Statement
“While the world was busy talking, I was busy evolving,” Ngannou stated . “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 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.”
Event Details
- Event: Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight card
- Date: May 16
- Location: Intuit Dome, Los Angeles
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
- Main Event: Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano
- Co-Main Event: Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins