Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) has completed a landmark acquisition of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), paving the way for a new era in mixed martial arts (MMA).
The deal significantly expands MVP’s footprint beyond boxing and positions the company to challenge the UFC’s long-standing dominance when the combined business begins operations in 2027.
The acquisition follows MVP’s successful entry into MMA earlier this year with MVP MMA 01, a Netflix-streamed event that featured Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano, Francis Ngannou, Nate Diaz and Mike Perry. While the card relied heavily on established stars, it generated significant global interest and demonstrated MVP’s ambitions in the combat sports landscape.
John Martin to Lead Combined Company as MVP Eyes Global Expansion
Under the new structure, PFL CEO John Martin will continue as chief executive officer and serve on the company’s board, overseeing the combined business. MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian will remain focused on the promotion’s boxing operations and blockbuster live events while working alongside Martin on the company’s overall growth strategy.
Jake Paul will continue playing a central role in expanding the brand’s reach, using his massive social media following to drive audience growth, fighter development and fan engagement across both boxing and MMA.
According to the announcement, the combined organisation will feature nearly 400 athletes, including world champions and leading contenders, while maintaining existing media partnerships with Netflix, ESPN, Sky Sports and PFL’s international broadcast network.
Netflix Success Boosts MVP’s Long-Term MMA Ambitions
MVP’s first MMA event proved to be a major success, reportedly attracting an estimated global audience of 17 million viewers on Netflix and setting a new benchmark for MMA viewership in the United States.
The acquisition also signals a major shift in MVP’s strategy. Although Paul and Bidarian had previously suggested they would stage only a limited number of MMA events each year, the PFL takeover indicates a far more ambitious long-term vision.
Paul has long expressed interest in competing in MMA and was previously an investor in the PFL, though an appearance inside the promotion never materialised. With MVP now set to oversee both boxing and MMA operations under one banner, the company is expected to make significant investments as it looks to establish itself as the UFC’s strongest global challenger in the years ahead.