Jake Paul’s MVP Promotions has booked another star for its debuting MMA event in Francis Ngannou.
Just days after it was announced that Ngannou parted ways with the PFL, the former UFC heavyweight champion has been booked against Philipe Lins in a five-round bout, which will co-headline the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano event May 16. ESPN first reported the news Monday morning, and promotion officials announced the matchup shortly after. The fight will stream on Netflix at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif.
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“While the world was busy talking, I was busy evolving,” Ngannou said in a statement. “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 I cannot 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.”
Ngannou competed just once for PFL after signing with the promotion in 2023. He knocked out Renan Ferreira in the first round to win a Super Fights heavyweight title in October 2024. Under the PFL banner, Ngannou had the flexibility to compete in boxing, where he lost to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He now returns to the cage against a fellow UFC and PFL veteran in Lins.
Lins will return to heavyweight after a successful stint at 205 pounds. The Brazilian wasn’t re-signed to the UFC despite being on a four-fight winning streak, most recently picking up a unanimous decision win over Ion Cutelaba at UFC 299 in March 2024.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Francis Ngannou’s MMA return set to co-headline Rousey vs. Carano
