Lineal MMA heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou returned to action at MVP MMA’s inaugural event in Los Angeles last night. In just his second MMA bout in four years, Ngannou shone in a first-round knockout of Philipe Lins. The heavyweight clash, which co-headlined yesterday’s event, extends Ngannou’s winning streak to eight fights from 2018.
Inactivity clearly hasn’t dampened Ngannou’s skills, nor has it lessened the demand for him. Following the fight, Ngannou earned a disclosed base purse of US$ 1.5 million for defeating Lins. He also won the $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus, something which the Cameroonian surprisingly believes belongs to someone else.
Francis Ngannou thinks someone else deserves his $100,000 MVP MMA performance bonus
Ngannou appeared to be at the top of his game in his first real, standing knockout since 2021. He won his last MMA bout in November 2024 via TKO, but with strikes on the ground. Last night’s victory displayed the raw, one-punch knockout power that got Ngannou to the game during his days in the UFC.
Yet, despite the accolades he received, Ngannou would rather gift his performance bonus to his immediate rival, Lins. In a surprising take, Ngannou spoke of Lins’ fighting skills in the most superlative terms, stirring widespread reactions.
“He’s a tough guy! I think if anyone deserves it, it’s him.”
Reacting to the announcement, a bemused fan wrote:
“And to think he left the UFC because of bonuses lmao.”
Another humorously commented:
“Gave that scoundrel a proper thrashing and still had to pay moral damages. What a guy! 🫵🏾”
A third fan was full of admiration for Ngannou:
“Always the greatest Francis!”
Humor and commendations for Ngannou filled the comments section, with another reaction going thus:
“For the damages and recovery of the Brazilian kakaka”
Brazil’s Lins hung in admirably against Ngannou’s early exchanges. However, the Cameroonian’s strikes were overwhelming. Ngannou spun around Lins with his first leg kick and bloodied Lins’ nose with punches within the opening minutes. The 39-year-old still appeared quick and explosive all through the evening. He appeared fully recovered from the multiple knee injuries that occasionally hindered him in the past.
