John Martin Resigned as CEO of PFL-MVP
The leadership change follows the recent merger of the combat sports organizations.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People
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John Martin has announced his resignation as CEO of PFL-MVP, a position he held since July 2025. Nakisa Bidarian is expected to assume the role following the company's August 2026 merger.
Why it matters
This executive transition marks a significant shift for the newly combined organization as it integrates the Professional Fighters League and MVP promotion, which has been in operation for five years. The move follows a period of consolidation within the combat sports sector.
John Martin concludes a 14-month tenure as CEO of PFL-MVP, overseeing the company during its transition following the August 2026 merger with the 5-year-old MVP promotion.
The players
John Martin
Former executive at Time Warner and Turner Entertainment who served as CEO of PFL-MVP.
Nakisa Bidarian
The incoming CEO expected to lead the integrated PFL-MVP organization.
PFL-MVP
A consolidated combat sports entity formed by the merger of the Professional Fighters League and MVP.
The details
John Martin announced his departure via a personal statement on his Instagram account. The leadership change occurs shortly after the merger of PFL and MVP, with plans for a full rebranding of events slated for 2027. Nakisa Bidarian is set to lead the integrated entity moving forward.
Timeline
July 2025: John Martin began his tenure as CEO.
August 2026: PFL and MVP finalized their merger.
September 22, 2026: John Martin announced his resignation.
2027: Official rebranding of events is expected.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition is a direct consequence of the organizational restructuring required after the August 2026 merger of PFL and MVP. Such shifts are common in the sports industry as companies move to align management teams with newly combined operational goals.
Operators should monitor the 2027 event rebranding as an indicator of how the merged company will position its combined intellectual property in the combat sports market. Suppliers and partners should expect potential shifts in vendor procurement as Nakisa Bidarian settles into the CEO role.
The takeaway
Management transitions often provide the clearest signal of an organization's post-merger integration priorities. Operators should track the 2027 event rebranding to understand the long-term competitive branding strategy for the unified entity.
What happens next
The official rebranding of company events is scheduled to take place in 2027.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership trends, visit the People section.
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