John Martin Resigned as PFL-MVP CEO

The executive announced his departure from the recently merged promotion on social media.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People

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John Martin has stepped down as the CEO of PFL-MVP. He announced his resignation on September 22, 2026, via a statement posted to his personal Instagram account.

Why it matters

The leadership change follows the merger between PFL and MVP in August 2026. Nakisa Bidarian is expected to take over the role as the new CEO following Martin's exit.

John Martin served as CEO of PFL-MVP for approximately 14 months, having started the position in July 2025. The MVP promotion itself has operated for 5 years.

The players

John Martin

He is the outgoing CEO of PFL-MVP who previously served as CEO of Turner Entertainment and an executive at Time Warner.

Nakisa Bidarian

He is the incoming CEO expected to lead PFL-MVP following the departure of John Martin.

Peter Murray

He is the former CEO of PFL who remains a key figure in the organization.

Donn Davis

He is the former chairman of PFL involved in the leadership structure of the promotion.

The details

Martin previously held leadership roles at Turner Entertainment and served as chief financial and administrative officer for Time Warner. His successor, Nakisa Bidarian, assumes control of the combined entity as it works toward an official rebranding expected in 2027.

July 2025: John Martin began serving as PFL-MVP CEO.
August 2026: PFL and MVP announced their merger.
September 22, 2026: John Martin announced he is stepping down.
2027: Official rebranding of events is expected.

Market Landscape

The leadership change follows the August 2026 PFL-MVP merger, mirroring typical management restructuring seen after major corporate consolidations. This transition marks a shift in oversight as the organization consolidates its resources and prepares for future branding.

The transition of power from John Martin to Nakisa Bidarian may influence the strategic direction of future fight cards and promotional events. Consumers should monitor upcoming event announcements for potential changes as the organization prepares for its 2027 rebranding.

The takeaway

Management turnover is common during the integration phase of newly merged sports promotions. Fans should anticipate a period of operational adjustment as the company aligns its new leadership with its 2027 branding goals.