Major PFL shakeup hits just 7 weeks after MVP merger
The Professional Fighters League underwent a major leadership change on Tuesday when CEO John Martin announced his immediate resignation, barely seven weeks after the promotion's merger with Most Valuable Promotions.
Martin assumed the top role following the PFL–MVP combination and steered the unified organization through its integration period. However, in an Instagram statement, he revealed his decision to step down, endorsing MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian as his successor.
"After an incredible year and the successful combination of PFL and MVP, I've made the decision to step down as CEO of the combined company," Martin wrote. "Nakisa and I worked closely together to bring these companies together, and I believe he is the natural person to lead this next chapter."
Martin's exit comes less than two months after the merger closed and just over a year after he took the PFL helm itself. He replaced Peter Murray and chairman Donn Davis, who both departed in July 2025. The rapid turnover in top leadership suggests potential friction behind the scenes as the two promotions attempted to consolidate operations and strategy.
Bidarian's ascension would mark a shift toward MVP's founding vision and personnel, signaling that the merged entity may lean more heavily on the combat sports and entertainment expertise that Bidarian brought to the deal. The promotion continues to operate, with a flyweight title fight headlining PFL Chicago on Saturday, October 16, at 11 p.m. ET on ESPN.
