Francis Ngannou is making his return to MMA as part of the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight card on Netflix, scheduled for Sat., May 16, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. His opponent will be former UFC heavyweight Philipe Lins, who also competed for both PFL and Bellator MMA.
”While the world was busy talking, I was busy evolving,” Ngannou said. “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.”
“To be part of the first MMA event on Netflix is going to be amazing,” Lins said. “I’m excited – very, very, very excited. I’m very happy and grateful to God for giving me this opportunity and for being with the right people to take care of my MMA career. MVP, Netflix, and Dominance MMA made this happen. I’m very happy to be fighting on this card with so many legends. Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano, Francis Ngannou – we’re going to make history, and to be a part of this moment is amazing to me.”
“Francis Ngannou is unequivocally the best heavyweight MMA fighter in the world and his addition creates star power on one card like never before seen in the sport,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “Francis is one of the most feared knockout artists the sport has ever seen, and his return to MMA instantly makes this a historic night. Philipe Lins is a proven champion who built his reputation the hard way against elite competition and knows this is his chance to cement his legacy on the sport and take Brazil back to the top of the sport. Saturday, May 16, will be one of the most significant nights in modern MMA.”
Undercard bouts and full event details for the May 16 fight card will be announced in the coming weeks.
