Following parting with the PFL last week, Francis Ngannou has announced his return to MMA, as he will face fellow former UFC fighter Philipe Lins in the co-main event of the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Netflix show on May 16.
This will be the 39-year-old Ngannou’s first MMA appearance since his first-round stoppage of Renan Ferreira in October 2024, which was his only MMA fight during his three-year agreement with the PFL as he chose to focus on boxing instead, but lost both of his professional bouts to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
The 40-year-old Lins (18-5) became a free agent in March 2024 after the UFC opted not to renew his contract. While his last four fights were at light heavyweight, he has mostly competed at heavyweight. He is also a former PFL heavyweight tournament champion, competing in the promotion back in 2018, before withdrawing from their 2019 season due to an undisclosed injury.
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