Former UFC Champ Ngannou to Face Lins in Netflix MMA Event

The highly anticipated matchup marks Ngannou's return to the cage after a boxing crossover.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is set to make his long-awaited return to mixed martial arts, facing off against Brazil's Philipe Lins in a five-round heavyweight bout on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The fight will stream live globally on Netflix as part of the inaugural MMA event promoted by Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions.

Why it matters

Ngannou, widely regarded as one of the sport's most devastating knockout artists, has not competed in MMA since his 2024 PFL championship victory. His return to the cage represents a highly anticipated homecoming for the former UFC star, who has since crossed over into high-profile boxing bouts.

The details

The matchup marks Ngannou's first professional MMA appearance since his 2024 PFL championship victory. Lins, a 2018 PFL heavyweight tournament champion, brings an 18-5 record with nine knockouts and four submissions. The 40-year-old Brazilian veteran previously competed in Bellator MMA and UFC.

  • The fight will take place on May 16, 2026.
  • Ngannou and Lins are scheduled to meet face-to-face for the first time at a kickoff press conference on March 10, 2026 at Intuit Dome.
  • Tickets for the May 16 card go on sale March 10, 2026 through Ticketmaster.

The players

Francis Ngannou

A former UFC heavyweight champion and one of the sport's most devastating knockout artists, with an 18-3 record that includes 13 knockouts and four submissions.

Philipe Lins

A 40-year-old Brazilian veteran who is a 2018 PFL heavyweight tournament champion, bringing an 18-5 record with nine knockouts and four submissions. He has previously competed in Bellator MMA and UFC.

Jake Paul

The founder of Most Valuable Promotions, which is promoting the inaugural MMA event where Ngannou and Lins will compete.

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What they’re saying

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

— Francis Ngannou (Press Release)

What’s next

Ngannou and Lins are scheduled to meet face-to-face for the first time at a kickoff press conference on March 10, 2026 at Intuit Dome, which will stream live on YouTube.

The takeaway

Ngannou's return to MMA after a foray into boxing represents a highly anticipated homecoming for one of the sport's most dominant heavyweights, as he looks to reclaim his place atop the division in a high-profile event promoted by Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions.