Los Angeles, CA – Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will step back into the mixed martial arts arena on May 16, facing Brazilian fighter Philipe Lins in a five-round bout at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The fight will serve as the co-main event on a Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) card headlined by the highly anticipated return of Ronda Rousey against Gina Carano and will be streamed live globally on Netflix.
The announcement marks a significant turn for Ngannou, who departed the UFC in January 2023 following a dispute over contract terms. His move to PFL was brief, consisting of a single October 2024 victory over Renan Ferreira to claim the “super fights championship” before being released from his contract on March 6, 2026. The 39-year-aged Ngannou (18-3, 13 KOs) has since explored opportunities in professional boxing, including a close split-decision loss to Tyson Fury in October 2023 and a knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua in March 2024.
This return to MMA sees Ngannou partnering with MVP, the combat sports promotion founded in 2021 by Jake Paul, and leveraging Netflix’s growing presence in live sports broadcasting. MVP’s previous events, including Jake Paul’s boxing matches against Mike Tyson and Anthony Joshua, have drawn substantial viewership on the streaming platform, with the Paul-Tyson fight reportedly attracting 125 million viewers in November 2024, becoming Netflix’s most-streamed sporting event to date.
Philipe Lins, 40, presents a formidable challenge for Ngannou. A former PFL champion himself, Lins boasts a professional record of 18 wins and 5 losses, with experience in Bellator and the UFC. He brings a wealth of experience to the matchup, having competed at the highest levels of multiple organizations.
Ngannou’s Journey Beyond the UFC
Ngannou’s departure from the UFC followed a successful run as heavyweight champion, which included a knockout victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 and a subsequent defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. However, protracted negotiations with the UFC failed to yield an agreement, leading him to seek opportunities elsewhere. His foray into boxing, while financially rewarding, proved challenging, but demonstrated his willingness to test his skills against top-tier boxers.
“I am ready for this new chapter, I can’t wait to please my fans again and remind the world who I am by showing what I am capable of at the highest level,” Ngannou stated in a press release. This sentiment underscores his desire to re-establish his dominance in the MMA world and capitalize on the exposure offered by the MVP-Netflix partnership.
Rousey-Carano Headlines a Historic Card
The Ngannou-Lins bout adds significant depth to an already compelling card headlined by the long-awaited clash between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. The two pioneers of women’s MMA have not faced each other since their early days in Strikeforce, and their return to the sport has generated considerable excitement among fans. The fight is set for 145 pounds and will be held inside a hexagon cage.
MVP’s decision to host its first MMA event at the Intuit Dome, the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers, signals the promotion’s ambition to establish itself as a major player in the combat sports landscape. The event is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for live MMA content and the expanding reach of Netflix as a sports broadcaster.
The matchup between Ngannou and Lins promises a thrilling encounter between two powerful heavyweights. Ngannou’s explosive striking and Lins’s proven resilience will undoubtedly make for a captivating contest. Fans can expect a high-stakes battle as both fighters look to make a statement in their return to MMA.
Following his release from the PFL, Ngannou’s next move was the subject of much speculation. This partnership with MVP and Netflix provides a platform for him to continue pursuing his combat sports ambitions, blending MMA with potential future boxing opportunities. The success of this event will likely shape the future direction of MVP and its role in the evolving landscape of combat sports.
The May 16 event is set to be a landmark moment for MVP and Netflix, showcasing their commitment to delivering high-quality combat sports content to a global audience. With Rousey-Carano and Ngannou-Lins leading the charge, the card promises an evening of unforgettable action for MMA fans worldwide.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates and analysis leading up to the event. Share your thoughts on the Ngannou-Lins matchup and the Rousey-Carano showdown in the comments below.
