Ngannou Returns to MMA vs. Lins on Netflix May 16

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is set to return to mixed martial arts on May 16, facing Philipe Lins in a five-round bout that will co-headline an event featuring Ronda Rousey against Gina Carano. The matchup, promoted by MVP Promotions and streaming live on Netflix from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, marks the streaming service's first foray into live MMA coverage.

Ngannou, 39, parted ways with the Professional Fighters League last week after signing a landmark deal with the organization in 2023. His tenure there lasted just one fight, a first-round knockout victory over Renan Ferreira in October 2024 that earned him the inaugural PFL Super Fights heavyweight title. The PFL confirmed the split in a statement, expressing respect for Ngannou and wishing him success in his next endeavors while emphasizing its focus on building an active roster for upcoming seasons. Ngannou's contract had allowed flexibility for boxing pursuits, including a competitive decision loss to Tyson Fury in 2023 and a knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua in 2024, but the promotion ultimately moved on amid scheduling challenges and his limited cage time.