Former Heavyweight King Back in Action May 16 in MVP

Francis Ngannou (18-3 MMA,) a former UFC and PFL Heavyweight Super Fights Champion, didn’t stay out of work for long. Late last week, the PFL and Ngannou split company. Francis Ngannou’s tenure in the PFL was predicated by inactivity.

In May of 2023, “The Predator” and the PFL came to terms on what was to have been a deal covering multiple fights, just months before Ngannou embarked on a career in the squared circle of boxing. A match against Tyson Fury saw him lose by split decision and secure the No. 10 ranking in the WBC.

The following March, Francis Ngannou squared off with Anthony Joshua, faltering by way of second-round knockout. He returned to MMA and to the win column in October of 2024, scoring a first-round knockout (ground and pound shots) versus Renan Ferreira. Counting MMA fights only, he’s gone 5-0 in his last five contests and is currently on a seven-fight winning streak dating back to November of 2018.

Francis Ngannou Set to Make MMA Return vs. Philipe Lins

On May 16, Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions is set to host its first-ever MMA card. Englewood, CA’s Intuit Dome, the home floor of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers, will serve as the setting for the event.

Previously, it was announced that a fight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano would be the headlining contest on the third Saturday of May. Earlier Monday, another fight was added to that night’s show.

Ngannou, an alumnus of the UFC, will square off against another former talent from Dana White’s promotion, Philipe Lins (18-5 MMA,) who went 4-2 in the world’s No. 1 MMA promotion. Like Ngannou, Lins also spent time under the PFL promotional banner, going 4-0 in its 2018 season, winning that year’s heavyweight title.

This fight will also be a five-round affair at five minutes per round and serve as the evening’s co-headlining attraction.

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Francis Ngannou Speaks on Philipe Lins Fight

Subsequent to the official announcement Monday morning, Ngannou offered up some thoughts about his upcoming return. He delivered some fiery remarks  ahead of the fight.

“While the world was busy talking, I was busy evolving,” Francis Ngannou began. “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.”

Ngannou is grateful to Jake Paul’s promotion and the streaming media giant for giving him this opportunity.

“Partnering with MVP to bring this event to Netflix ensures the entire world is watching,” he continued. “I am ready for this new chapter and cannot wait to entertain my fans again and remind the world exactly who I am and what I am capable of delivering on highest stage.”

Sizing Up Felipe Lins Ahead of Francis Ngannou Tilt

On the other side of the cage in the May 16 fight, Philipe Lins has gone 5-0 in his last five bouts. Two years ago, he last fought against Ion Cutelaba, winning by way of unanimous decision. Both fighters are on a hot streak going into this contest, but Lins has been out of action longer than Francis Ngannou.

Which of these men will shake off their ring rust more effectively going into this bout? Only time will tell.

Final Thoughts

One could make a case for either Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano or Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins being the main event for the MVP MMA show inside Intuit Dome in two months’ time.

That said, both the main and co-main events of this card are solid bookings, at least on paper. Given that both Ngannou and Lins haven’t fought in some time, though, it remains to be seen if this contest leads up to the billing, and the same holds true for Rousey vs. Carano.

Regardless, heavyweight fights in combat sports have one constant attached to them, discipline notwithstanding: As little as one shot can bring about the end of the show.