John Martin steps down as CEO of MVP-PFL, month after merger with Jake Pauls company

John Martin's time with the PFL has come to an end.

Following a 14-month run with the company, Martin revealed Tuesday in a shock announcement that he is stepping down from his role as CEO of the merged company between PFL and MVP "effective immediately."

The news leaves MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian, Jake Paul's longtime business partner, to lead the newly-merged MMA promotion between the two entities into 2027. Martin endorsed Bidarian as "the natural person to lead this next chapter" in his exit statement.

Martin's full comments, which came from his personal Instagram page Tuesday:

"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

"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."

Martin joined the PFL in July 2025 at a tumultuous time for the company, taking over the reigns following the departures of previous CEO Peter Murray and fellow exec Donn Davis. Under his leadership, PFL announced a landmark merger with Bidarian and Paul's MVP promotional stable in early August, a move which brought the two companies together under one umbrella, with a full rebrand expected to be finalized in early 2027.

Martin was initially announced as the new CEO and board member for the new MVP MMA entity, however less than two months later, those plans appear to have changed.