After nearly two years away from mixed martial arts, Francis Ngannou is officially stepping back into the cage. The Cameroonian heavyweight star will face Brazil’s Philipe Lins on 16 May in Los Angeles, marking his first MMA fight since October 2024. The bout will take place on Most Valuable Promotions’ inaugural MMA card, an event already generating global attention.
Ngannou’s return carries weight far beyond a standard comeback fight. The former UFC heavyweight champion built a reputation as one of the most devastating knockout artists in combat sports, and fans have been waiting to see him compete again inside the cage. His upcoming fight will also stream globally on Netflix, bringing one of Africa’s most recognised combat athletes back to the spotlight.
For Ngannou, the moment is about reclaiming his place in MMA after exploring opportunities across different promotions and even stepping into the boxing ring.
Read: D’Tigress Dominate Colombia in FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Opener
A Journey That Redefined Modern Heavyweight Fighting
Ngannou’s path to this moment has been anything but ordinary. Born in Cameroon, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most feared heavyweights in the sport. His breakout came in the UFC, where he captured the heavyweight championship in 2021 with a knockout victory over Stipe Miocic.
After defending the title against Ciryl Gane in 2022, Ngannou made headlines by leaving the UFC following contract negotiations. In 2023, he signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) under a unique deal that allowed him to pursue boxing alongside MMA.
That decision opened a new chapter in his career. In October 2023, Ngannou shocked the boxing world when he faced heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and delivered a performance many believed came close to a major upset. He later fought Anthony Joshua in 2024, gaining even more attention for crossing between combat sports at the highest level.
Despite the boxing detour, Ngannou never fully stepped away from MMA. His last fight in the sport came in October 2024, when he stopped Renan Ferreira in the first round to win the PFL Super Fights heavyweight championship.
Now, after parting ways with the PFL earlier this year, Ngannou has joined Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, setting the stage for his next chapter.
Read: Emotional Night for Osimhen as Galatasaray Defeat Liverpool in UCL Tie
A Fight Card Built for Global Attention
Ngannou’s clash with Philipe Lins will serve as the co-main event on a major fight card headlined by Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano, two pioneers of women’s MMA. The event is expected to draw huge global interest as it blends star power from multiple eras of the sport.
For Lins, the matchup represents a massive opportunity. The Brazilian fighter is a former PFL heavyweight tournament champion and a UFC veteran who left the promotion on a four-fight winning streak. Facing Ngannou offers him the chance to prove himself against one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
Meanwhile, Ngannou has made it clear that his return is about more than just another fight.While announcing the bout, the Cameroonian star hinted that his time away has been focused on growth and preparation. His goal now is to remind fans exactly why he remains one of the most respected heavyweights in the sport.
As the date approaches, anticipation continues to build. With global streaming, major star power, and one of Africa’s biggest sporting icons returning to action, 16 May could become one of the most talked-about nights in modern MMA.
For more stories highlighting African excellence in global sport, visit RefinedNG and follow us for inspiring updates from across the continent and the diaspora.