PFL CEO John Martin steps down just seven weeks after MVP merger

John Martin has stepped down as CEO of the Professional Fighters League’s merged entity with Most Valuable Promotions, announcing his departure on Instagram on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 — just seven weeks after the two organisations completed their combination.

Martin had assumed the top role at the combined PFL-MVP brand following the merger, itself a rapid succession from the departures of former PFL CEO Peter Murray and chairman Donn Davis in July 2025. His tenure at the helm of the merged company lasted barely a month and a half.

In his statement, Martin pointed to MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian as the natural choice to take over. “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. “I’m enormously proud of what this team has accomplished and couldn’t have more confidence in what comes next. Nakisa and I worked closely together to bring these companies together, and I believe he is the natural person to lead this next chapter. I’m grateful to the entire team and Board for their partnership, and I’ll be cheering for MVP as both a former executive and a fan.”

Bidarian, who co-founded Most Valuable Promotions alongside boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez, has not yet been formally confirmed as Martin’s replacement, though Martin’s public endorsement signals a clear line of succession within the organisation’s leadership.

The leadership shake-up marks the second significant change at the top of PFL in just a few months, raising questions about the stability of the merged promotion as it attempts to establish itself as a major rival to the UFC. The speed of Martin’s exit — announced effective immediately, according to journalist Ariel Helwani — adds further uncertainty to an organisation still in the early stages of integrating two distinct brands and rosters.