Philipe Lins believes the biggest fight of his career could also become the moment that permanently changes his place in MMA history.
The former PFL heavyweight champion faces Francis Ngannou on Saturday at MVP MMA’s debut event on Netflix inside the Intuit Dome in California. While Ngannou enters as the headline attraction and one of the sport’s most recognizable knockout artists, Lins is embracing the underdog role ahead of the five-round showdown.
For the Brazilian veteran, defeating a former UFC heavyweight champion on a global stage would represent far more than just another victory.
“Even if this victory happens, I’ll still be the same person as always. Calm, grounded, enjoying life. But without a doubt, beating Francis Ngannou would be something extraordinary, and I still can’t even put it into words.”
Lins Plans to Drag Ngannou Into Deep Waters
Lins enters the matchup confident in his ability to handle a long and physically demanding fight. Although he owns multiple finishes throughout his career, including nine knockouts, he believes patience and composure could be the key against Ngannou.
The American Top Team heavyweight pointed to Ngannou’s first fight with Stipe Miocic as proof that extended rounds can create opportunities against the former UFC champion.
“I’ll be prepared to fight all five rounds. I think the longer the fight goes, the better it is for me,” Lins said. “I look at his fight against Stipe Miocic as an example. I’m going to frustrate him, look for openings. It’s very difficult to find holes in his game.
After spending nearly two years away from competition, Lins says the break allowed him to recover physically while also refining weaknesses in his game. Now approaching his 41st birthday, he feels refreshed heading into what he calls the most important matchup of his career.
“A win over Francis Ngannou would be big,” Lins said. “He’s a guy who needs no introduction, who has fought huge names, was UFC champion, knocked out most of the guys he faced, and all the history he has.
“A win over Francis Ngannou would put my name at the very highest level of MMA, in MMA history forever. It would be something extraordinary. I believe in my potential, in my skills, and I’m chasing this victory.”
See the predictions here.