Jake Paul has hinted at a U-turn on Francis Ngannou after confirming the former UFC heavyweight champion will compete on the first MMA event promoted by Most Valuable Promotions on Netflix.
The card, scheduled for 16 May, will be headlined by Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano and is being promoted as the first MMA event broadcast live on the streaming platform.
Ngannou has been added to the event in a heavyweight bout against Philipe Lins, marking a high-profile return to MMA after a period of uncertainty about his future in the sport.
Jake Paul changes stance on Francis Ngannou ahead of Netflix card
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Paul’s latest comments represent a notable shift from remarks he made in December 2025 following his boxing match with Anthony Joshua.
Speaking on the Impaulsive podcast at the time, the YouTuber-turned-boxer questioned Ngannou’s ability to take damage.
“I told everyone, though, that I would do better than Francis and that Francis kind of got no chin. Francis is low-key soft,” said ‘The Problem Child’.
However, this Monday, Paul struck a very different tone this week while promoting the upcoming event on social media, calling ‘The Predator’ one of the ‘baddest’ heavyweights in the world.
He published: “The two baddest MMA heavyweight champions in the world are Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. 1 of them is now fighting on Saturday May 16th live on Netflix.”
Francis Ngannou’s most recent MMA fight was in 2024
Ngannou’s most recent MMA appearance came in October 2024 when he faced Renan Ferreira in the PFL.
The Cameroonian heavyweight won the bout by knockout, marking a successful return to mixed martial arts after focusing on high-profile boxing fights.
Despite the victory, the fight ultimately became his only appearance for the promotion.
The PFL confirmed last week that the organisation had parted ways with Ngannou, making the former UFC champion a free agent once again before his return on the Netflix card.
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