Francis Ngannou Books MMA Return for Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Event

Former UFC heavyweight champion to face Philipe Lins in co-main event of Netflix-exclusive fight card

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Just days after leaving the PFL, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has signed with MVP Promotions, the company founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, to compete in a five-round bout against Philipe Lins. The fight will co-headline the upcoming Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano event, which will stream exclusively on Netflix on May 16 from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

Why it matters

Ngannou's move to MVP Promotions represents a significant shift in the combat sports landscape, as the promotion looks to expand beyond traditional boxing events. The heavyweight star's return to MMA after a brief stint in the PFL and professional boxing bouts against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will be highly anticipated by fans.

The details

Ngannou, who has been out of the MMA spotlight, emphasized that he has been busy evolving and preparing for this opportunity with MVP Promotions. He sees this Netflix event as a chance to reclaim his place in the sport and entertain his fans on the biggest possible stage. Lins, a fellow UFC and PFL veteran, will look to spoil Ngannou's return as he makes the move back up to heavyweight after a successful run at 205 pounds.

  • Ngannou signed with MVP Promotions just days after his recent departure from the PFL.
  • The Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano event will take place on May 16, 2026.

The players

Francis Ngannou

A former UFC heavyweight champion who is making his return to MMA after a brief stint in the PFL and professional boxing matches.

Philipe Lins

A fellow UFC and PFL veteran who is making the move back up to heavyweight after a successful run at 205 pounds.

Jake Paul

The co-founder of MVP Promotions, which is expanding into MMA with this event.

Nakisa Bidarian

The co-founder of MVP Promotions, which is expanding into MMA with this event.

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What they’re saying

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

— Francis Ngannou (ESPN)

“Silence shouldn't be mistaken for absence. It's the sound of a predator closing the distance.”

— Francis Ngannou (ESPN)

“Stepping back into the cage isn't just a return. It's a reclamation.”

— Francis Ngannou (ESPN)

“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.”

— Francis Ngannou (ESPN)

“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.”

— Francis Ngannou (ESPN)

What’s next

The Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano event, featuring Francis Ngannou's return fight against Philipe Lins, will stream exclusively on Netflix on May 16, 2026.

The takeaway

Ngannou's move to MVP Promotions and the upcoming Netflix event showcase his ambition to compete on the biggest possible platforms and entertain fans worldwide, as he looks to reclaim his place in the MMA landscape after a brief hiatus.