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2h ago

MVP and PFL Merge to Form Global Combat‑Sports Company

The deal pairs MVP’s media and event engine with PFL’s global MMA roster, backed by new investor funding, to scale cross‑sport events, broaden distribution, push a fighter‑first commercial model.

Graphic: PFL
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May 16, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Mike Perry (red gloves) celebrates after defeating Nate Diaz (blue gloves) in a welterweight bout at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The companies announced the merger Thursday, creating a privately held business that will operate under the MVP name with Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian as co‑founders and board members and John Martin as chief executive.
  • The combined roster will include nearly 400 fighters across boxing and MMA, with PFL’s league operations set to migrate into an MVP MMA brand over the coming months.
  • Founding PFL investors 885 Capital and Knighthead Capital Management committed new capital to the merged company, which pledged to invest aggressively in both boxing and MMA.
  • The new group will keep existing distribution deals, including Netflix, ESPN and Sky, plus PFL’s 34 international broadcast partners to reach more than 170 countries and will stage five premium boxing and MMA events in August as an early test.
  • MVP frames the move as a fighter‑first push to improve pay and commercial opportunities for athletes, and Jake Paul has said he aims to compete in MMA for the merged brand as it positions itself to challenge the UFC’s market lead.