Ngannou set for cage comeback against Lins in May

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will step back into mixed martial arts competition on May 16, facing Philipe Lins on a fight card headlined by Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano in California.

The bout will mark Ngannou’s return to the cage after spending recent years competing outside MMA. The 39-year-old last fought under the Professional Fighters League banner in October 2024, securing a victory in what was his only appearance with the promotion.

Ngannou originally left the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2022 after defending his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. Following his departure, the Cameroonian powerhouse pursued boxing, taking on British stars Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in high-profile bouts staged in Saudi Arabia.

In his first boxing outing, Ngannou surprised many observers by knocking Fury down in the third round and lasting the full ten rounds before losing by split decision. He later suffered a second-round knockout defeat to Joshua five months later.

The upcoming contest against Lins will be scheduled for five rounds of five minutes each.

Speaking ahead of the fight, Ngannou said he has been quietly preparing for another phase of his career.

“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.

Ngannou also expressed excitement about performing again for supporters, saying he looks forward to entertaining fans and reminding the sport of his abilities.

Boxing stakeholders, including Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, described Ngannou as one of the most dangerous knockout artists in MMA history, noting that his presence adds significant star power to the event.

Culled from vanguard