Heavyweight sluggers Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins will collide this weekend (Sat., May 16, 2026) live on Netflix inside Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California for the MVP MMA 1 card.
I’m happy that Francis Ngannou secured the paycheck of a lifetime (twice!) to cross over into the boxing, but it’s really great to have “The Predator” back in the cage. It’s been over a year since his single PFL performance, a three-minute mauling of former champion Renan Ferreira. Still the lineal Heavyweight champion of the world, Ngannou could still be the best in the world.
How does Lins stack up as competition? “Monstro” actually left the UFC on a four-fight win streak, which is … something? The former PFL kingpin found most of his Octagon success after cutting down to 205 pounds, a weight limit it’s impossible to imagine Ngannou touching. Safe to say, the significant underdog will be facing a serious size disadvantage, but he’s at least an experienced and skilled veteran.
Let’s take a closer look at the betting odds and strategic keys for each athlete:
Cameroonian-French Francis Ngannou (L) and Brazilian Philipe Lins face off during the Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Netflix 5X5 Professional MMA bound pre-fight press conference outside the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California on March 10, 2026. Rhonda Rousey will face Gina Carano on May 16, 2026. Both fighters will be returning after lengthy retirements. Ngannou will face Lins in the undercard match. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images
Ngannou vs. Lins Betting Odds
Francis Ngannou victory: -2000Francis Ngannou via TKO/KO/DQ: -500Francis Ngannou via submission: +1200Francis Ngannou via decision: +950Philipe Lins victory: +830Philipe Lins via TKO/KO/DQ: +1300Philipe Lins via submission: +3500Philipe Lins via decision: +3000Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images
Ngannou is a tank, one of the most physically ferocious fighters to ever grace the sport. Unreasonably strong with the touch of death in his fists, Ngannou has developed quite a bit more to his MMA game over his years in the sport. He’s always had a knack for counter punching, but Ngannou seriously improved his wrestling, kicking, and even Southpaw offense over the years.
Outside of Anthony Joshua, nobody has ever landed a shot that visibly bothered “The Predator.”
I don’t think we need to overcomplicate things here: Ngannou is a massive favorite for a reason. He has multiple paths to victory. It’s quite conceivable that Ngannou could once again show up with wrestling on his mind, tackle the former Light Heavyweight to the canvas, and then pulverize him with ground strikes just like he did to 6’8” Renan Ferreira.
If Ngannou wants to keep it standing? He can use his heavy kicks to track down Lins, trap him along the fence, and unload his ferocious punches. Ngannou’s size and strength advantages are going to be so massive, he just needs to exchange with his opponent in one way or another to create a likely finishing scenario.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 09: Philipe Lins of Brazil punches Ion Cutelaba of Moldova during their light heavyweight bout at UFC 299 at Kaseya Center on March 09, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) Getty Images
I know I just wrote Lins’ obituary above, but the Brazilian is a talented fighter in his own right. He’s best known for his fast hands and sturdy takedown defense, two traits that will surely be necessary against the toughest test of his career.
Ngannou is not a perfect fighter. He’s never been the most mobile athlete, and that’s a weakness Lins’ natural speed is built to capitalize upon. Ciryl Gane won rounds off Ngannou by remaining evasive while still touching at distance, while Anthony Joshua knocked him out by stranding Ngannou at range with feints and movement before dropping the hammer.
Is Philipe Lins Ciryl Gane or Anthony Joshua? No. But, he can still look to copy their strategies of sticking and moving then setting traps for Ngannou. It’s important that when Lins does try to counter, he actually sits down on his shots. He has to earn Ngannou’s respect or be willing to get knocked out in the attempt, otherwise his chance of victory is miniscule.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Ngannou vs. Lins Prediction
Maybe Francis Ngannou is washed up after the better part of two years on the sidelines. He might not be the best Heavyweight in the world anymore. It’s been a long time since he fought a truly elite Heavyweight contender. Even considering all the facts and the theoretical alike, it’s hard to paint a case where Lins is the guy to expose Ngannou’s decline.
The former UFC champion is too powerful, too good, and too big. Whether with a takedown or a big right hand, Ngannou will find Lins at some point and finish the fight violently.
Prediction: Ngannou via knockout