PFL CEO John Martin announced he is stepping down just seven weeks after the Professional Fighters League merged with Most Valuable Promotions, a deal in which Martin had been named CEO of the combined company. Martin said he supports MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian as the likely successor, signaling another rapid leadership transition that could affect strategy and stability for the newly merged entity.
Major PFL shakeup hits just 7 weeks after MVP merger Sayan Nag Sep 23, 2026 The Professional Fighters League is undergoing another major change. PFL CEO John Martin announced Tuesday that he’s stepping down. Martin’s decision comes hardly a month after PFL merged with Most Valuable Promotions . Martin had assumed the role of CEO of the merged brand. Advertisement John Martin steps down as PFL-MVP CEO and backs Nakisa Bidarian to lead next Martin also said MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian is likely to take over after him. “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 announced on Instagram. “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.” A flyweight title fight headlines PFL Chicago: Tune in on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 11 p.m. ET on ESPN . Martin took charge as PFL CEO after former CEO Peter Murray and chairman Donn Davis departed in July 2025. John Martin announced on his personal instagram this morning that he is stepping down as CEO of MVP/PFL effective immediately. Here is the statement. We will have much more on this on today’s show. pic.twitter.com/XF3tS4kpgO — Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 22, 2026 « Previous Undefeated Patrick Habirora draws former PFL MENA champ in Dubai Next PFL Chicago full card set with two rematches on top » More view more --> PFL Chicago full card set with two rematches on top Undefeated Patrick Habirora draws former PFL MENA champ in Dubai The Sheehan Show: Shaidullaev Passes the McKee Test as Silva Survives His Own 9-0 Boris Mbarga Atangana faces toughest test yet in Bryan Battle at PFL Lyon 20-0 Rajabali Shaidullaev agrees to two-year MVP deal, per report
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: www.sherdog.com
Professional Fighters League, Most Valuable Promotions, Instagram, MVP, PFL Chicago, Sherdog
Professional Fighters League: Professional Fighters League is a mixed martial arts league undergoing a major leadership change with its CEO stepping down.
Most Valuable Promotions: Most Valuable Promotions is the promotion that merged with the Professional Fighters League to form a combined company.
Instagram: Instagram is the social platform used by John Martin to announce his decision to step down as CEO of the combined MVP/PFL company.
MVP: MVP (Most Valuable Promotions) is the abbreviated name used for the promotions company that merged with PFL and which Nakisa Bidarian co-founded.
PFL Chicago: PFL Chicago is the event property of the Professional Fighters League headlined by a flyweight title fight scheduled for Oct. 16.
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