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Ngannou Shows Off His Power

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Apr 4, 2026 11:26 AM ET

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou showed off his power in training ahead of his return to MMA to take on Philipe Lins on May 16.

The bout will feature on the Rousey vs. Carano card. For Ngannou, this represents a return to his roots after a lucrative multi-year stint in the boxing world, where he tested his power against giants Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. It is also his first MMA appearance since stopping Renan Ferreira in his only MMA appearance under the PFL in 2024 before being released.

Lins, a 2018 PFL Heavyweight Tournament winner and UFC veteran, brings a versatile striking game and deep durability. Lins will aim to survive the first ten minutes and drag “The Predator” into the deep waters of rounds four and five.

In a viral training clip posted this week, Ngannou silenced doubters regarding his physical form. He is seen delivering thunderous body shots to his training partners and has publicly called for a new “Body Shot Challenge.”

Ngannou’s Training

Who’s want to do the next body shot challenge with me? #NgannouLins #RouseyCarano pic.twitter.com/pxdDZNyAt6
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) April 3, 2026

As for Ngannou’s future, he is not looking beyond his next fight.

“It’s just this fight, not a promotional agreement. When asked whether he was getting paid better than when was with PFL. That doesn’t matter… Of course [I’m happy with it], otherwise I wouldn’t have said yes. I’m happy for the opportunity as well. This is the first MMA fight that will be on Netflix. So I was more excited about that. That was a big decision factor,” Ngannou said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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