Andrew Ravens
Francis Ngannou has found a new home just days after his release from the PFL. Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced Monday morning that “The Predator” has officially signed to compete in the co-main event of the historic Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card on May 16.
The former UFC heavyweight champion will face fellow UFC and PFL veteran Philipe Lins in a five-round heavyweight clash that will stream live globally on Netflix from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The move marks a major get for MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, who are positioning their inaugural MMA event as a direct challenger to traditional pay-per-view models.
By securing Ngannou so quickly after he hit free agency last week, MVP has assembled arguably the most star-studded non-UFC card in the history of the sport. Ngannou, who holds an 18-3 record and remains the lineal UFC heavyweight champion, expressed that the global reach of Netflix was a primary factor in his decision.
“While the world was busy talking, I was busy evolving,” Ngannou said in an official statement. “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.”
Ngannou’s opponent, Philipe Lins (18-5), brings a formidable resume to the matchup. A former PFL heavyweight tournament winner himself, Lins recently completed a successful run in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, where he rattled off four consecutive victories, including a unanimous decision win over Ion Cutelaba at UFC 299 in March 2024.
Despite his winning streak, Lins was not re-signed by the UFC, making him a highly sought-after free agent. Now returning to his original home at heavyweight, the Brazilian “Monstro” has the opportunity to play spoiler on a night intended to celebrate the legends of the sport.
The announcement puts an end to a wild week for Ngannou, whose departure from the PFL was met with mixed reactions from fight fans. While his time in the PFL resulted in a first-round knockout of Renan Ferreira in 2024, the promotion’s recent executive shakeup—including the resignation of chairman Donn Davis—reportedly led to a “reset” of their heavyweight strategy.
