Francis Ngannou vs Philipe Lins rules: Number of rounds, weight limit and hexagon cage

Francis Ngannou is set to make his MMA return on May 16 against Brazilian Philipe Lins.

‘The Predator’ was released from his PFL contract in early March and signed with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions days later.

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Ngannou vs Lins acts as the co-main event to Ronda Rousey‘s grand comeback against Gina Carano, live on Netflix for the streaming giant’s first-ever MMA show at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou hasn’t fought since October 2024, when he stopped Renan Ferreira in his only contest under the PFL banner.

The 39-year-old suffered two defeats to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in the boxing ring after he was cut from the UFC as heavyweight king in 2022 due to a contract dispute with the promotion’s CEO Dana White.

Lins, meanwhile, was released from the UFC on the back of a four-fight win streak in the light heavyweight division.

The Rio Grande do Norte native has fought the majority of his career at 205lbs, but achieved his best feat by winning the PFL heavyweight tournament and $1million in 2018.

Ngannou vs Lins: rules and weight class

Lins moves back up to the heavyweight division for the contest, with the fight being contested over five five-minute rounds, using 4oz MMA gloves.

As the clash is a professionally-sanctioned heavyweight bout under the unified rules of MMA, neither Ngannou nor Lins will be allowed to weigh more than 265lbs when hitting the scales.

Ngannou weighed in at 256.8lbs before his win over Ferreira, while Lins was exactly 206lbs ahead of his last fight, although the Brazilian’s walk-around weight will be much heavier.

Why are Ngannou and Lins competing in a hexagon?

While MMA fights are traditionally contested in an octagon cage — like in the UFC — Ngannou vs Lins, and seemingly all other fights on the Netflix show, will come inside a new environment.

A hexagon cage has fewer corners, making it harder to run away from opponents.

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It is ultimately designed to promote action, which leads to more action and knockouts.

Ngannou vs Lins: What has been said?

“While the world was busy talking, I was busy evolving,” Ngannou said upon the announcement of his return.

The Cameroonian continued: “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.

“My return to MMA demanded a stage that matched the scale of my ambition, and partnering with MVP to bring this event to Netflix ensures the entire world is watching.

“I am ready for this new chapter, and I cannot wait to entertain my fans again and remind the world exactly who I am and what I am capable of delivering on the highest stage.”

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Lins added: “To be part of the first MMA event on Netflix is going to be amazing…

“MVP, Netflix, and Dominance MMA made this happen. I’m very happy to be fighting on this card with so many legends. 

“Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano, Francis Ngannou – we’re going to make history.”

Co-founders of MVP Paul and Nakisa Bidarian said: “Francis Ngannou is unequivocally the best heavyweight MMA fighter in the world and his addition creates star power on one card like never before seen in the sport.

“Francis is one of the most feared knockout artists the sport has ever seen, and his return to MMA instantly makes this an historic night.

“Philipe Lins is a proven champion who built his reputation the hard way against elite competition and knows this is his chance to cement his legacy in the sport and take Brazil back to the top.

“Two heavyweight knockout artists. Ngannou vs Lins. Rousey vs Carano. Five rounds each. The global spotlight of Netflix. Saturday, May 16, will be one of the most significant nights in modern MMA.”

Ngannou and Lins come face-to-face for the first time at a press conference on March 10 at the Intuit Dome.