TKO Welcomes Paul's UFC Challenge After PFL Merger

TKO Group Holdings has brushed off concerns that Jake Paul's newly merged promotion could challenge the UFC's dominance in mixed martial arts.

The response came after Paul's Most Valuable Promotions announced a merger with the Professional Fighters League, with the combined entity operating under the MVP banner while continuing to promote boxing and MMA. TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro told investors the union could ultimately benefit the sport rather than destabilize the market leader.

TKO Executive Says Competition Strengthens UFC Position

Shapiro suggested the two promotions lacked viability on their own but may find traction together. "I would say that clearly on an individual, standalone basis, these promotions, both MVP and PFL, were not necessarily sustainable," he said on a recent investor call, per Sherdog. "Now they've come together and we'll see what they can conjure up. What we know is that competition has always made us stronger and a rising tide lifts all boats."

The measured tone contrasted with Dana White's earlier dismissal of the merged promotion as a serious rival. Paul has stated his ambition to overtake the UFC, backed by MVP's inaugural MMA card in May that reportedly drew strong Netflix viewership.

Paul has teased another major MMA event for 2027 that could feature his own cage debut.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Jake Paul wants to challenge the UFC; TKO's response wasn't what many expected