Francis Ngannou: ‘Best Decision Of My Life’ After Leaving UFC — Returns May 16 vs. Philipe Lins

Francis Ngannou says leaving the UFC was the right choice. He defends leaving as heavyweight champion and prepares to return to the cage on May 16 on the MVP MMA card.

Ngannou stands by his choice to leave the UFC

Ngannou left the UFC in 2023 while he was the Heavyweight Champion. He left after a dispute over pay. Many people questioned the move because he was the reigning champion when he walked away.

In a recent interview, journalist Ariel Helwani asked Ngannou whether the decision paid off. Ngannou replied, “It’s the best decision of my life.” He said he opened a door no one had opened before and did things his way.

What Ngannou has done since leaving

After leaving the UFC, Ngannou signed a notable deal with another promotion. He joined PFL as a fighter and also became an equity partner in the promotion’s Africa expansion. He has boxed twice at a high level, meeting top heavyweight boxers Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. The story notes these boxing matches came with large purses.

Ngannou also fought once for PFL in 2024 and won the PFL Super Fights Heavyweight title. That remains his only fight for the promotion so far.

Upcoming fight and the May 16 MVP MMA card

Ngannou is scheduled to fight Philipe Lins on the May 16 MVP MMA card. This card will feature a high-profile main event between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. The event is also being noted as the first MMA event on Netflix.

Ngannou said he has faced two of the best heavyweight boxers and is now part of this new MMA event. He added that anyone who does not understand his choices “need no explanation.”

Legacy and public reaction

Ngannou says his decision was about building a legacy and creating new paths for fighters. He points to his roles as a fighter, a business partner, and a crossover boxer as proof that he achieved something different.

Critics continue to ask questions because he left while champion. Ngannou’s answer is that he did it his way and opened opportunities that did not exist before.