MVP, PFL officially merge to create new global combat sports platform
Most Valuable Promotions and the Professional Fighters League have officially merged, creating a unified global combat sports platform under the MVP banner. The deal, announced Thursday, combines MVP's boxing operations, media reach, and brand influence with PFL's extensive MMA roster, international infrastructure, and distribution network spanning 34 broadcast and streaming partners across more than 170 countries.
The merged entity will be led by MVP co-founders Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, with veteran media executive John Martin serving as CEO. According to the announcement, MVP and MVPW will remain the boxing cornerstones, while PFL's operations, fighter roster, and league structure will form the foundation of MVP MMA. The consolidation aims to create what executives describe as a "fighter-first" approach to combat sports, offering athletes fairer compensation and a modernized platform to build global profiles.
Bidarian emphasized that MVP's mission has always extended beyond a single sport, stating the merger accelerates the company's broader vision for the combat sports industry. Paul echoed those ambitions, framing the deal as a "decade accelerated" path toward disrupting what he called "a broken model" in fight promotion. Martin added that the combination brings unprecedented scale in operations, distribution, sponsorship, fighter development, and fan engagement.
The newly merged company is backed by investment from 885 Capital and Knighthead Capital. According to promotional officials, Friday's PFL-headlined event featuring Usman Nurmagomedov versus Archie Colgan will proceed as scheduled. The merger is expected to be fully completed later in 2025, with five combined boxing and MMA events planned for August.
