Francis Ngannou Returning To MMA, Fighting On Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano Card

The former UFC heavyweight champ will take on Philipe Lins in a five-round fight on the Netflix event.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Just days after Francis Ngannou and the Professional Fighters League parted ways, the Nigerian Nightmare already has himself an MMA fight - he will be added to the Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano event on Netflix, taking on Philipe Lins in a five-round fight on May 16.

Why it matters

This will mark Ngannou's return to MMA after a layoff, and the event itself is historic as it will be Netflix's first-ever MMA card, featuring the long-awaited comeback of Ronda Rousey against Gina Carano.

The details

Ngannou last fought in October 2024, winning the PFL Heavyweight Superfight Championship. Lins holds an 18-5 professional MMA record, with four wins in the UFC, and won the PFL $1 million tournament in 2018. Both fighters will be coming off extended layoffs, with Lins' last fight being a unanimous decision win over Ion Cutelaba at UFC 299 in March 2024.

  • Ngannou last fought in October 2024.
  • Lins' last fight was in March 2024 at UFC 299.
  • The Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano event on Netflix will take place on May 16, 2026.

The players

Francis Ngannou

A former UFC heavyweight champion who is returning to MMA after parting ways with the Professional Fighters League.

Philipe Lins

A professional MMA fighter with an 18-5 record, including four wins in the UFC, and the 2018 PFL Heavyweight Tournament winner.

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion who is making a comeback after a 10-year layoff to fight Gina Carano on the Netflix event.

Gina Carano

A former MMA fighter with a 7-1 record, whose only loss came against Cris Cyborg in 2009, and is now set to fight Ronda Rousey on the Netflix event.

Jake Paul

The co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, which is promoting the Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano event on Netflix.

Nakisa Bidarian

The co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, which is promoting the Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano event on Netflix.

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What’s next

The Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano event on Netflix, featuring Francis Ngannou's return fight against Philipe Lins, is scheduled for May 16, 2026.

The takeaway

This event marks a significant moment in MMA history, with the return of both Francis Ngannou and the long-awaited comeback of Ronda Rousey, as well as the first-ever MMA card on Netflix, showcasing the growing popularity and mainstream appeal of the sport.