Francis Ngannou scores first-round knockout over Philipe Lins

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou retuned to the cage for the first time in 18 months on Saturday in the MVP MMA 1: Rousey vs. Carano main card. "The Predator" faced veteran Philipe Lins in a scheduled five-round fight.

Ngannou parted ways with the UFC in 2022 and secured boxing bouts against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He was defeated by both. He last fought mixed martial arts in October 2024 defeating Renan Ferreira to win the symbolic PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Championship.

Lins had fought since March 2024 when he parted ways with the UFC riding a four-fight winning streak. "Monstro" planned to play spoiler on Saturday.

They touched gloves and Lins took the center of the cage. Ngannou connected first with an outside leg kick. Lins returned the favor but Ngannou pressed forward with a combination. Lins tied him up and Ngannou briefly looked for a guillotine choke. They separated and Ngannou delivered a leg kick. He followed with an uppercut. Lins looked for a takedown. Ngannou stuffed it and gained top position.

Lins scrambled but at shots as he stood. Ngannou stayed reserved. He connected with a combination. Lins responded with an overhand right. They worked for position a long the cage and Ngannou delivered right hands to the body. They separated and Lins connected with a right hand. Ngannou connected with a counter right that shut the lights out on Lins.

The official time of the knockout win was 4:31 of the opening round.

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 7:35 PM.