Just a week after splitting from the PFL, Francis Ngannou’s return to MMA has been confirmed.
Late last week, the MMA world learned that ‘The Predator’ had been officially released from the PFL.
Ngannou’s only appearance in the Smartcage was in October 2024, when he defeated Renan Ferreira to win the Super Fights Heavyweight championship.
After his release, the 39-year-old promised fans he would be back. And on Monday morning, it was revealed he will face Philipe Lins on the Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano undercard.
Francis Ngannou says he was ‘evolving’ during time away from MMA while fans wondered about his return
Ngannou is set to make his return to the cage in a card promoted by MVP, co-founded by Jake Paul. The fight is scheduled for 16 May and will be streamed live on Netflix.
‘The Predator’, speaking through a press release, said: “While the world was busy talking, I was 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 the highest stage. #TheComeBack.”
Ngannou hopes MVP will be the perfect platform for his MMA return, potentially rivalling the UFC.
The promotion has already shaken up boxing, and now they will be hoping that momentum carries over into their debut MMA event at LA’s Intuit Dome.
The partnership has also sparked fresh talk about a possible bout between Ngannou and ‘The Problem Child’ down the line. The two have been linked before but have never stepped into the ring together.
He said to Netflix Sports: “MVP is the promoter, so who knows, maybe this means I’m one step closer to knocking out Jake Paul too.”
Even with only one MMA fight in the last four years, Ngannou maintains his status as one of the best heavyweights in the world. The 39-year-old left the UFC in 2023 as the heavyweight champion to fight in boxing and under the PFL banner.
On the other hand, Lins has yet not fought outside UFC after being released in 2024 despite riding a four-fight winning streak at the time.
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