"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. 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."
"The announcement of Ngannou's MMA return comes just days after he parted ways with the PFL after signing with the MMA promotion in 2023 with a unique deal that allowed him box and also serve as chairman of its PFL Africa division. He fought once for the promotion against Ferreira and competed twice in boxing, nearly pulling off a stunning upset of Tyson Fury in 2023 and suffering a knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in 2024."
Francis Ngannou will compete in MMA on May 16 in a five-round heavyweight bout against Brazil's Philipe Lins. This fight serves as the co-main event to Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano, streaming on Netflix as part of Most Valuable Promotions' inaugural MMA card. Ngannou's return marks his first MMA fight since defeating Renan Ferreira in October 2024 for the PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Championship. The announcement follows his recent departure from the PFL after signing in 2023. During his PFL tenure, Ngannou competed in boxing, nearly upsetting Tyson Fury in 2023 and losing to Anthony Joshua in 2024. Previously, Ngannou was UFC heavyweight champion, winning the title in 2021 and defending it in 2022 before being stripped after contract negotiations failed.
Read at ESPN.com
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