Francis Ngannou signs with Jake Paul's MVP as shock comeback fight announced

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has confirmed that he will return to MMA on the undercard of Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano on 16 May after penning a deal with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).

Thirty-nine-year-old Cameroonian Ngannou was once one of the most feared fighters on the planet before leaving the UFC in 2023.

Since his exit from MMA’s premier promotional company, the fighter has tried his hand at boxing.

In October 2023, he fought then-unbeaten WBC and lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia and caused the self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King’ huge problems, knocking him down in round three.

Fury recovered and eventually won by a controversial split decision, with many suggesting that Ngannou deserved the win.

Ngannou returned to the ring in March 2024 against former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and lost by a destructive second-round knockout.

Then, in October of the same year, he finally returned to MMA, defeating Renan Ferreira by first-round knockout on the PFL Super Fights: Battle of Giants card.

BREAKING: Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins added to the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card.

The first-ever MMA event on Netflix. Buckle up 🔥 #RouseyCarano
Saturday, May 16
LIVE on Netflix pic.twitter.com/vBHyDktBYQ

— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) March 9, 2026

Despite being released from his PFL contract just last Friday (6 March), Ngannou announced on Monday (9 March) that he has signed with Paul’s MVP and revealed that he will fight Brazil's Philipe Lins on the undercard of Rousey vs Carano, which will be broadcast on Netflix on 16 May.

Speaking about his return to action, Ngannou said: “While the world was busy talking, I was busy evolving.

“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.

“I am ready for this new chapter. 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.”

Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions, said: “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.

“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.”

Ngannou’s return is scheduled for five five-minute rounds.