Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), co-founded by Jake Paul, and the Professional Fighters League (PFL) have announced a merger, forming a new global combat sports platform operating under the MVP banner. This strategic move aims to create a powerhouse in the combat sports industry, bringing together boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), media, live events, athlete development, and worldwide content distribution. The new entity emphasizes a "fighter-first" philosophy, focusing on equitable compensation, maximum visibility, and opportunities for athletes to build their brands both inside and outside of competition. Jake Paul, a co-founder and board member, stated, "We started MVP to disrupt a broken model. We wanted to give fighters fair pay and a bigger, modernized stage to become global superstars. Joining forces with PFL accelerates that vision by a decade."
The combined company will be led by PFL CEO John Martin, who will serve as CEO and board member, with Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian as co-founders and board members. Bidarian will continue to oversee MVP's boxing verticals and blockbuster live events. The merger accelerates MVP's expansion into MMA following the record-setting success of MVP MMA 1 in May, which drew 12.4 million viewers on Netflix and peaked at 17 million during Ronda Rousey's 17-second victory. The PFL's existing global infrastructure, elite MMA fighter roster, and media assets will form the foundation of MVP MMA, with full migration expected in the coming months. Existing PFL shareholders, 885 Capital and Knighthead Capital Management, are becoming founding investors in the new entity, committing new capital to ensure a strong balance sheet.
The new MVP platform will feature nearly 400 elite athletes across boxing and MMA, including world champions and title contenders. The company plans to aggressively invest in both sports. The PFL, which launched in 2017 with a league-based system, will eventually have its brand phased out and fully integrated into the new MVP promotion by the start of the next calendar year. The move is seen as a direct challenge to the UFC, with Paul expressing his commitment to "go to war for fighters" and create a more powerful platform. The combined company will host five premium live events across boxing and MMA in August, demonstrating its immediate capabilities.
