Francis Ngannou Set for MMA Return in Netflix Co-Main Event

Former UFC heavyweight champion to face Philipe Lins on Rousey-Carano card

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, will return to MMA competition when he faces Philipe Lins in the co-main event of a Most Valuable Promotions card on Netflix on May 16. The card takes place at the Intuit Center in Los Angeles and is headlined by a women's featherweight clash between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.

Why it matters

Ngannou's return to MMA is highly anticipated, as he was one of the most dominant heavyweights in the UFC before parting ways with the promotion in 2023. His matchup with Lins on a high-profile Netflix card will likely draw significant attention and interest from MMA fans.

The details

Ngannou was released from his Professional Fighters League contract late last week. The Cameroonian-born Frenchman competed once for PFL in three years, knocking out Renan Ferreira at the 'Battle of the Giants' in October 2024. Ngannou has won his last seven MMA appearances — six of which came under the UFC banner. Lins, meanwhile, exited the UFC on a four-bout winning streak and is coming off a unanimous decision win over Ion Cutelaba in March 2024.

  • Ngannou's return fight will take place on May 16, 2026.
  • The Rousey-Carano card will be held at the Intuit Center in Los Angeles.

The players

Francis Ngannou

A former UFC heavyweight champion who is making his return to MMA competition after parting ways with the UFC in 2023.

Philipe Lins

A Brazilian fighter who exited the UFC on a four-bout winning streak and is coming off a unanimous decision win over Ion Cutelaba in March 2024.

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion who is headlining the Netflix card in a featherweight bout against Gina Carano.

Gina Carano

A former MMA fighter and actress who is headlining the Netflix card in a featherweight bout against Ronda Rousey.

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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. 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. 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 (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Ngannou's return to MMA on a high-profile Netflix card headlined by two of the sport's biggest stars, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, will likely generate significant interest and attention from fans. After parting ways with the UFC, Ngannou is looking to reclaim his status as one of the top heavyweights in the world.