Francis Ngannou is back — and he’s bringing his thunderous power to Netflix.
After crossing over to global boxing events and scoring a dominant PFL Championship victory in 2024, Ngannou (18–3, 4 submissions, 13 KOs) returns to face Brazil’s Philipe Lins (18–5, 4 submissions, 9 KOs) as part of a blockbuster MMA card headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano. The event has grown even bigger with the addition of fan-favorite fighters Nate Diaz and Mike “Platinum” Perry, who will clash in a five-round welterweight bout.
The matchup is part of a historic night for combat sports: Most Valuable Promotions’ first MMA event and Netflix’s first-ever live MMA broadcast.
“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.”
A dangerous fighter in his own right, Lins expressed gratitude ahead of the monumental fight night: “To be part of the first MMA event on Netflix is going to be amazing. I’m very happy to be fighting on this card with so many legends. We’re going to make history.”
Scroll on for more on this fight and click here for everything to know about Ngannou’s return against Lins on the Rousey-Carano card.
Ngannou vs. Lins will fight on the Rousey-Carano main card on Saturday, May 16.
Ngannou vs. Lins will take place at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, CA.
Five 5-minute rounds.
This will be a professionally sanctioned heavyweight bout, contested under the Unified Rules of MMA, with 4-ounce gloves inside a hexagon cage.
Perhaps no other fighter in the world carries the raw knockout force of Francis Ngannou. Known for devastating punching power and highlight-reel finishes, “The Predator” has built a reputation as one of the most feared heavyweights in combat sports. With millions watching worldwide, Ngannou will look to deliver another unforgettable moment against Lins, a gifted and dangerous fighter himself.
Ngannou says he’s back to take an already remarkable career to new heights. “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.”
Lins began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the age of 17 before transitioning into professional MMA in 2005. He gained international recognition during a Bellator MMA run from 2014 to 2017, going against some of the promotion’s top heavyweights, and in 2018 he captured the PFL Heavyweight Championship, winning four fights in six months and earning the $1 million grand prize in the league’s inaugural season.
“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,” Lins said, adding, “MVP, Netflix, and Dominance MMA made this happen.”
Most Valuable Promotions co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian emphasized that featuring this fight — in addition to Rousey vs. Carano — under Netflix’s global spotlight will make Saturday, May 16, “one of the most significant nights in modern MMA.” They added, “Francis Ngannou is unequivocally the best heavyweight MMA fighter in the world, and his addition creates star power like never before seen in the sport. 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 and take Brazil back to the top of the sport.”
Rousey vs. Carano will stream live globally on Netflix, included in all plans at no additional cost.
The press conference will stream live on Netflix’s YouTube and MVP’s YouTube.
Check back with Tudum for future updates on Rousey vs. Carano as the card continues to take shape.
