Francis Ngannou has had an interesting career thus far. The former UFC heavyweight champion, known for having the most devastating knockouts in UFC history, left his organization to pursue a career in both MMA and boxing. While he has had two high-profile boxing matches since leaving the UFC, his only MMA fight was in 2024 with the PFL. On Mar. 6, the PFL announced via X that Ngannou and the organization had amicably parted ways.
Today, “The Predator” announced that his next MMA fight will not take place in the PFL cage or the UFC Octagon, but instead on the undercard of the highly anticipated Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano bout, broadcasting on Netflix May 17.
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Francis Ngannou© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)
Netflix Announcement
Francis Ngannou, along with Netflix, announced the fight on social media (via NetflixSports on IG):
The event will be promoted by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the combat sports promotional company run by social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul and his adviser Nakisa Bidarian. MVP’s Instagram also shared the news:
Per the caption, a press conference for the event will take place tomorrow, March 10, at 12 p.m. PT at the Intuit Dome Plaza in Los Angeles. The presser will be broadcast via Netflix’s YouTube Channel as well as through MVP’s YouTube channel.
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Who is Francis Ngannou’s Opponent?
Standing opposite Ngannou will be the Brazilian fighter Philipe Lins, a former UFC light heavyweight and former PFL Heavyweight Tournament winner back in 2018.
Lins’s biggest career achievement was winning that PFL Tournament, which included a $1 million prize. He went on a four-fight finishing streak within the organization against the likes of Alex Nicholson, Caio Alencar, Jared Rosholt, and Josh Copeland. He even finished both Alencar and Rosholt in a single night.
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Here are some of his highlights from his PFL run (courtesy of Sherdog.com on YouTube):
After the PFL, Lins signed with the UFC. While his initial heavyweight run was rocky (losses to accomplished veteran Andrei Arlovski and Tanner Boser), he found success after dropping down to light heavyweight.
He was on an impressive four-fight winning streak before his release, defeating notable fighters like Marcin Prachnio, Ovince Saint Preux (by devastating 49-second KO), Maxim Grishin, and, most recently, Ion Cuțelaba at UFC 299 in March 2024.
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This should be a solid test for Ngannou, despite the size difference. Lins has been inactive in MMA around the same amount of time as Ngannou, but his willingness to brawl will make it an enjoyable firefight for fans of heavyweight slugfests.
Jake Paul’s Company Continues to Expand Into Combat Sports
In addition to Ngannou’s anticipated return to MMA, this fight booking marks MVP’s continued push into the realm of combat sports.
(L-R) Jake Paul, Amanda SerranoRicardo Arduengo-GettyImages
(Ricardo Arduengo-GettyImages)
As a part of the Rousey vs. Carano undercard, this fight will also be viewed by many casual viewers who may not be aware of Ngannou’s accomplishments in the sport of MMA.
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Outside of this upcoming MMA event, MVP also recently signed a multi-year broadcasting deal with ESPN for a brand new women’s boxing league.
Ngannou Speaks on His Return
Ngannou, who has dealt with the personal loss of his son in April 2024 as well as being guilty of manslaughter from a fatal car crash last year, returns with a renewed thirst for competition.
In his only MMA fight with the PFL, he dedicated his performance to his deceased son (via DAZN Boxing):
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“While the world was busy talking, I was busy evolving,” said Francis Ngannou in an MVP press release. “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.”
Francis NgannouGetty Images
(Getty Images)
He continued his statement, saying, “Partnering with MVP to bring this event to Netflix ensures the entire world is watching. I am ready for this new chapter, and I cannot wait to entertain my fans again and remind the world exactly who I am and what I am capable of delivering on the highest stage.”
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
