Just days after his recent departure from the PFL, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has found his next combat sports destination. MVP Promotions, founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, has officially booked the heavyweight for its debut mixed martial arts event.
Ngannou is scheduled to step into the cage against Philipe Lins in a five-round bout. The fight will co-headline the upcoming Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano event on May 16. As first reported by ESPN on Monday morning, the promotion quickly confirmed the matchup, noting that the entire event will stream exclusively on Netflix live from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
The signing marks a notable shift in the combat sports landscape, proving that MVP Promotions is serious about expanding its footprint beyond traditional boxing events. Ngannou, who has always been highly sought after in the free-agent market, addressed the sudden career move. He emphasized that his time away from the mixed martial arts spotlight was spent preparing for exactly this type of opportunity.
“While the world was busy talking, I was busy evolving,” Ngannou said in an official statement.
He wanted to make it clear that his recent inactivity in the cage should not be misconstrued as a lack of focus or retirement from the sport that made him a household name.
“Silence shouldn’t be mistaken for absence. It’s the sound of a predator closing the distance,” Ngannou explained.
The star views this upcoming bout as much more than just another fight on his resume. After experiencing the highs of championship glory and navigating the complexities of promotional business, he sees this Netflix event as a definitive statement.
“Stepping back into the cage isn’t just a return. It’s a reclamation,” he declared.
Partnering with Jake Paul’s MVP Promotions aligns with his long-stated goal of competing on the biggest possible platforms with the widest audience reach.
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“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,” Ngannou added.
He finished his thought by sending a direct warning to his peers and a message of gratitude to his supporters who have followed him across different promotions and sports.
“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,” he concluded.
Ngannou’s transition to MVP Promotions comes on the heels of a very brief stint with the PFL. After signing with the organization in 2023, he competed just once under their banner. In October 2024, he knocked out Renan Ferreira in the first round to capture the Super Fights heavyweight title. His PFL contract notably afforded him the flexibility to pursue professional boxing matches, leading to bouts against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Now, he returns to his mixed martial arts roots to face Lins, a fellow UFC and PFL veteran. Lins is making the move back up to heavyweight after enjoying a successful run at 205 pounds. Despite riding a four-fight winning streak—including a unanimous decision victory over Ion Cutelaba at UFC 299 in March 2024—the Brazilian was not re-signed by the UFC, making him an intriguing test for the returning Ngannou.
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