Francis Ngannou is still that guy.
The former UFC heavyweight champion made short work of Philipe Lins in his long-awaited MMA return, knocking out his fellow UFC veteran out with a wicked left hook in the opening minutes of their bout on Netflix’s Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card.
Renown as one of the most dangerous punchers in MMA history, Ngannou (19-3) hurt Lins (18-6) early and often, bloodying with hard shots before sending him home with a brutal salvo at the 4:31 mark of Round 1.
FRANCIS NGANNOU KO IN ROUND 1 #RouseyCaranopic.twitter.com/YddNVUSsNr
— Netflix (@netflix) May 17, 2026
“I’ve got to give a lot of respect to Philipe, because he was tougher than I thought,” Ngannou said post-fight.
“It’s just another one — it’s just another reminder [of who I am].”
More on this story in a moment…
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