Francis Ngannou has swiftly secured his next combat sports engagement following his departure from the Professional Fighters League, with confirmation that he will feature on the undercard of Ronda Rousey's highly anticipated return to mixed martial arts. This landmark event, set to be broadcast on Netflix, is orchestrated by influencer Jake Paul and his promotional firm, Most Valuable Promotions.
Historic Netflix Event Headlined by Rousey vs. Carano
The main event on 16 May will see former UFC champion Ronda Rousey step back into the cage for the first time in a decade, facing fellow MMA pioneer Gina Carano, who herself has not competed since 2009. This headline bout marks a significant moment in women's mixed martial arts, bringing together two iconic figures from the sport's early days.
Ngannou's Quick Transition After PFL Exit
Last week, it was announced that Ngannou was leaving the PFL after a three-year tenure that included just one fight. The Cameroonian powerhouse, a former UFC heavyweight champion, will now face Brazilian veteran Philipe Lins at the Intuit Dome in California. This bout represents Ngannou's first MMA contest since October 2024, when he stopped Renan Ferreira in the opening round to capture the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title.
Like his upcoming opponent, Lins is a former UFC competitor who also achieved success in the PFL, although he never reached the same elite status as Ngannou during his UFC stint. The 40-year-old Brazilian carries a professional record of 18-5 and enters the contest on a four-fight winning streak, despite not having fought since his final UFC appearance in March 2024.
Ngannou's Formidable Record and Recent Boxing Ventures
At 39 years old, Francis Ngannou boasts an impressive mixed martial arts record of 18-3 and is widely regarded as possessing the most devastating punching power in the history of the sport. In recent years, he has also ventured into professional boxing, engaging in high-profile bouts against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
His boxing endeavours included a controversial decision loss to then-world champion Tyson Fury in October 2023, followed by a brutal knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua in March 2024. These experiences outside the cage have only added to his reputation as a fearless and versatile combat sports athlete.
Predator's Poignant Statement on His Return
"While the world was busy talking, I was busy evolving," Ngannou declared on Monday. "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."
He continued, "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."
Promoters Hail Ngannou's Addition to Historic Card
Jake Paul and his business partner Nakisa Bidarian issued a joint statement praising Ngannou's inclusion on the card. "Francis Ngannou is unequivocally the best heavyweight MMA fighter in the world," they asserted, "and his addition creates star power on one card 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."
This event promises to be a watershed moment for combat sports broadcasting, combining the star power of returning legends with the global reach of streaming platform Netflix, all under the promotional banner of one of social media's most influential figures.
