PFL Confirms Merger With MVP, Eyes 2027 Launch

The Professional Fighters League has merged with Most Valuable Promotions to form a new mixed martial arts entity set to launch in 2027, ESPN's Marc Raimondi reports.

PFL founder John Martin and MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian outlined the partnership in interviews with ESPN, describing the venture as a direct challenge to the UFC's market dominance. Bidarian, who previously served as CFO at the UFC before launching MVP with Jake Paul, told the outlet the combined operation will leverage PFL's tournament infrastructure and MVP's fighter-first business model.

What The PFL-MVP Deal Means For MMA's Future

According to Bidarian, the new promotion will target marquee free agents and build cards around high-profile crossover fights, a strategy that helped MVP draw significant audiences for Paul's boxing events. Martin said the 2027 timeline allows for strategic planning around media rights and venue deals, per the report.

The merger arrives as the PFL continues to expand internationally and MVP seeks to transition Jake Paul into MMA competition. Paul, who has yet to confirm his fighting role in the venture, remains under contract with MVP for boxing.

Neither organization disclosed financial terms. Martin indicated the combined entity will operate under a new brand name, with details expected later this year.

Reported via:

• ESPN MMA — PFL-MVP merger creates new MMA challenger with eye on 2027 launch