If you are just discovering this sport, this Beginner’s guide to MMA is for you.
MMA can seem intense at first. But once you understand the basic rules, everything starts to make sense.
And there is no better time to start following it than now.
On 16 May 2026, the combat sports world will stop to watch the return of Francis Ngannou to the cage, as he faces Philipe Lins in a heavyweight bout.
For Guinée Games, this event carries even greater meaning.
Francis Ngannou is the brand’s ambassador in Africa and represents, like few others, the strength, ambition and African roots in global sport.
Cameroonian, champion, and one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history, he enters this fight with the eyes of the world upon him. And you can follow it all.
What is MMA?
MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts.
It is a combat sport where athletes combine several techniques, including:
- boxing
- kickboxing
- wrestling
- jiu-jitsu
- muay thai
The goal is simple: defeat your opponent within the rules.
That victory can happen by:
- knockout
- submission
- judges’ decision
It is a complete, strategic and highly competitive sport.
How does an MMA fight work?
In any Beginner’s guide to MMA, this is the most important part.
A fight takes place inside a closed cage. Athletes wear light gloves and can compete standing up or on the ground.
In the bout between Ngannou and Lins, for example, there will be 5 rounds of 5 minutes, according to the unified MMA rules.
Standing up
Fighters exchange strikes: punches, kicks and knees. Here, speed and power make all the difference.
In the clinch
This is when athletes grapple while standing. They can control their opponent, deliver knees or prepare takedowns.
On the ground
After a takedown, the fight continues. This is where control and submission techniques come into play. If a fighter is forced to give up, the fight ends.
How do you win a fight?
There are three main ways to win an MMA fight.
1. Knockout
When a strike prevents the opponent from continuing.
It is one of the most exciting outcomes, and also one of Francis Ngannou’s specialties.
2. Submission
When an athlete applies a technique that forces the rival to tap out. This usually happens on the ground.
3. Judges’ decision
If the fight goes the distance, the judges evaluate factors such as aggression, control, accuracy and overall dominance. From there, the winner is decided.
Why is Francis Ngannou a global icon?
Francis Ngannou is not just a fighter, he is a symbol of resilience.
Born in Cameroon, he built a historic career and became a heavyweight world champion.
With a record of 18 wins and 3 losses, including 13 victories by knockout, he is recognised for his devastating power.
Today, he represents Africa at the highest level.
And as a Guinée Games ambassador, he inspires millions of fans across the continent.
His fight in May will not simply be another contest, but also a unique moment of African pride.
MMA betting: simple and exciting
If you are just starting, there is an ideal market for you. At Guinée Games, the main MMA market is the fight winner.
In other words, you simply choose who you believe will win. That is it.
You do not need to master complex statistics, just know the fighters and follow the contest.
It is an easy way to enter the world of MMA sports betting, so choose your favourite and get involved with Guinée Games.
16 May 2026: follow this huge fight
Now that you understand how an MMA fight works, mark your calendar.
On 16 May 2026, Francis Ngannou faces Philipe Lins in one of the most anticipated bouts of the year.
The clash will take place at Intuit Dome and will be part of a historic event broadcast worldwide.
It is the perfect opportunity to watch one of MMA’s biggest names in action.
Follow the fight, experience every round and support the Cameroonian star in this crucial challenge, because when Francis enters the cage, the world watches.
Get ready for the fight with Punchinator Francis Ngannou Edition
While the fight has not yet arrived, why not explore one of Guinée Games’ most popular crash games?
In this special edition of Punchinator, follow Francis Ngannou as he throws punches at a boxing bag.
Place your bet before the round begins and watch your multiplier grow.
To win, you must cash out before the round ends.
Visit our website and step into the cage with Francis Ngannou.
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