Francis Ngannou Returns Against Philipe Lins, Claiming MMA's Lineal Heavyweight Crown at 39
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 16
Francis Ngannou Returns Against Philipe Lins, Claiming MMA's Lineal Heavyweight Crown at 39
8 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 16
Saturday’s California bout against Philipe Lins marks Francis Ngannou’s MMA return, with the former UFC heavyweight champion saying he is defending the sport’s unofficial lineal title.
Ngannou argues he remains the true champion because he left the UFC as titleholder and has not lost in MMA since, even as Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall won UFC belts during his absence.
The 39-year-old said his UFC exit was "horrible" and attacked fighter contracts as unfair, saying they hand promoters broad rights while limiting athletes’ pay and freedom.
That break from the UFC let Ngannou pursue boxing paydays and a PFL stint, and he said MVP’s Netflix-backed card could give fighters a more lucrative alternative.
Ngannou is part of an ex-UFC-heavy event that also features Ronda Rousey’s first MMA fight in 10 years, while he left open a possible future bout with Jake Paul.
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