Francis Ngannou added to MVP's Rousey-Carano card in May

The heavyweight champion will fight Philipe Lins in a five-round bout on the Netflix-broadcast event.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Francis Ngannou, widely recognized as the lineal heavyweight champion of mixed martial arts, was added to the fight card for Most Valuable Promotion's event on May 16, headlined by a bout between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. Ngannou, 39, will fight Philipe Lins in a five-round affair, which will be broadcast on Netflix. Ngannou has not fought since October 2024, when he knocked out Renan Ferreira to become the PFL heavyweight champ.

Why it matters

Ngannou's addition to the card creates major star power and intrigue, as he is widely considered the best heavyweight MMA fighter in the world. His return to MMA after a stint in boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is a highly anticipated event for fans.

The details

Ngannou joined the PFL after a seven-year run with the UFC, where he won the heavyweight title in 2021 and defended it in 2022. He then became a free agent after failing to receive a satisfactory new contract from the UFC. Lins, 40, will enter the bout with Ngannou with a record of 18-5, having last fought at UFC 299 in 2022.

  • Ngannou last fought in October 2024, when he knocked out Renan Ferreira to become the PFL heavyweight champ.
  • Ngannou's bout against Philipe Lins will take place on May 16, 2026.

The players

Francis Ngannou

Widely recognized as the lineal heavyweight champion of mixed martial arts, Ngannou is a 39-year-old fighter who has not competed since October 2024 when he won the PFL heavyweight title.

Philipe Lins

A 40-year-old fighter with a record of 18-5, Lins last fought at UFC 299 in 2022, defeating Ion Cutelaba via unanimous decision in a light heavyweight bout.

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion and one of the biggest stars in MMA history, Rousey is headlining the MVP event against Gina Carano.

Gina Carano

A former MMA fighter and actress, Carano is set to face Ronda Rousey in the main event of the MVP card.

Jake Paul

The co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, which is hosting the event featuring Ngannou, Rousey, and Carano.

Nakisa Bidarian

The co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, which is hosting the event featuring Ngannou, Rousey, and Carano.

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What they’re saying

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

“Francis Ngannou is unequivocally the best heavyweight MMA fighter in the world and his addition creates star power on one card like never before seen in the sport. Francis is one of the most feared knockout artists the sport has ever seen, and his return to MMA instantly makes this a historic night.”

— Jake Paul, Co-founder, Most Valuable Promotions

“Francis Ngannou is unequivocally the best heavyweight MMA fighter in the world and his addition creates star power on one card like never before seen in the sport. Francis is one of the most feared knockout artists the sport has ever seen, and his return to MMA instantly makes this a historic night.”

— Nakisa Bidarian, Co-founder, Most Valuable Promotions

What’s next

The highly anticipated return of Francis Ngannou to MMA action will take place on May 16, 2026 when he faces Philipe Lins in a five-round bout on the MVP card headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano.

The takeaway

Ngannou's addition to the MVP card featuring two of the biggest names in women's MMA history, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, creates an event with unparalleled star power and intrigue for MMA fans. His return to the sport after a stint in boxing will be a must-watch event.