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Francis Ngannou Books MMA Return vs Philipe Lins on Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano Card

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 10:38 AM ET

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is officially returning to MMA. Ngannou will face fellow UFC veteran Philipe Lins in a five-round co-main event on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The fight takes place on the same card headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, marking the debut MMA event promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). The event will stream globally on Netflix.

Ngannou Begins New MMA Chapter

Ngannou’s return comes shortly after his departure from the Professional Fighters League. After signing with the PFL in 2023, Ngannou fought just once under the promotion’s banner, knocking out Renan Ferreira in the first round to capture the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title in October 2024. Since then, Ngannou focused heavily on boxing, facing elite competition in:

Tyson Fury
Anthony Joshua

Now he returns to MMA with a new promoter and platform. “Silence shouldn’t be mistaken for absence. It’s the sound of a predator closing the distance,” Ngannou said in a statement.

Philipe Lins will move back up to heavyweight for the fight. The Brazilian veteran previously competed at light heavyweight and was on a four-fight winning streak during his final run in the UFC, including a unanimous decision victory over Ion Cutelaba at UFC 299 in March 2024. Despite the momentum, the UFC chose not to renew his contract. Now Lins gets the biggest opportunity of his career against one of the sport’s most feared knockout artists.

Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins just faced off for the first time

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— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 10, 2026

Netflix MMA Event Loaded with Star Power

The card itself is already drawing major attention. The main event features the long-awaited return of Ronda Rousey, who will face MMA pioneer Gina Carano in a historic matchup. With Ngannou also appearing on the card, the show represents one of the most star-studded MMA events outside the UFC in recent years.

For Ngannou, the fight represents more than just a comeback. After leaving the UFC in 2023 and navigating multiple promotions and combat sports, the Cameroonian heavyweight now begins a new chapter under the MVP banner one that could blend MMA, boxing, and global streaming exposure.

And if his statement is any indication, Ngannou believes the world is about to be reminded exactly why he remains one of combat sports’ biggest attractions.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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