Francis Ngannou will make his return to MMA on the Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano fight card in California on May 16 as he takes on Philipe Lins.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou has not competed in combined martial arts since a Professional Fighters League (PFL) victory in October 2024.
The 39-year-old left UFC after defeating Ciryl Gane in early 2022 and went on to field Britain’s Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia throughout 2023 and 2024.
Ngannou boxed Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua after leaving UFC
Ngannou, nicknamed The Predator, took Fury the total 10 rounds earlier than shedding through a controversial cut up resolution, whereas he was knocked out by Joshua in the second spherical 5 months later.
His MMA comeback, introduced days after his departure from PFL, will happen over 5 rounds, every 5 minutes in size.
Ngannou: I can’t wait to entertain my followers once more
Ngannou, who earned seven knockouts inside the primary two minutes of bouts throughout his UFC profession, mentioned of his impending return to the cage: “While the world was busy speaking, I used to be busy evolving.
“Silence should not be mistaken for absence, it is the sound of a predator closing the space. Stepping again into the cage is not only a return, it is 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.”
Ronda Rousey will quickly make her combined martial arts return
Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions, mentioned: “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 probably the most feared knockout artists the game has ever seen, and his return to MMA immediately makes this a historic night time.”
