Jake Paul’s MVP Promotions Eyes PFL Merger to Challenge UFC Dominance
Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), co-founded with Nakisa Bidarian, is reportedly eyeing a significant merger with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). This strategic alliance, if it materialises, could create a formidable challenger to Dana White’s Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) by combining celebrity appeal with an established roster of fighters.
Speculation has intensified over recent weeks regarding this potential rebranding of the PFL as “MVP MMA,” fuelled by a long-standing rivalry between Paul and White.
The brewing combat sports rivalry
The move comes as Paul, a prominent boxer and internet personality, continues his vocal campaign for improved fighter pay and benefits across combat sports. The PFL, already a significant player in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world, would gain immense marketing leverage and access to Paul’s massive audience. This potential merger could fundamentally reshape the competitive landscape of professional fighting.
The animosity between Jake Paul and UFC CEO Dana White is well-documented, tracing back to at least April 2021. Paul has consistently criticised the UFC’s business practices, particularly its fighter compensation structure and lack of long-term healthcare provisions. White, in turn, has often dismissed Paul’s foray into combat sports, fuelling a highly public and often personal feud.
This ongoing spat provides a compelling backdrop for the potential merger, positioning it not just as a business expansion, but as a direct ideological challenge. Paul and Bidarian have openly expressed their ambition to build a genuine alternative to the dominant promotion. A combined entity would be the most credible threat the UFC has seen in years.
Paul’s advocacy for fighter welfare
For years, Paul has used his platform to advocate for better conditions for fighters, often targeting White directly. He has frequently highlighted the disparity between UFC revenues and fighter earnings. This advocacy has resonated with many athletes who feel undervalued in the sport, leading to broader discussions about athlete welfare within MMA.
White has typically responded with dismissive remarks, often questioning Paul’s legitimacy as a fighter and promoter. This dynamic has created a narrative of an underdog challenger, embodied by Paul, taking on an entrenched establishment. Their clash has played out across social media and in press conferences, drawing significant media attention.
Potential Jake Paul PFL merger details
The proposed merger would see MVP, known for its high-profile boxing events and celebrity connections, join forces with the PFL, which boasts a deep and ranked roster of MMA talent. Most Valuable Promotions was established in 2021 by Jake Paul and his adviser Nakisa Bidarian, a former UFC employee. The PFL, in turn, has been steadily growing its global footprint since its inception.
PFL CEO John Martin has indicated his interest in a partnership, stating he “would absolutely be interested if a deal made sense for the PFL.” He’s even opened the door to a “Netflix super show” with MVP, though he stressed the importance of “reciprocity.” Martin won’t simply loan out his roster to build another promotion’s brand.
Bidarian, for his part, sees boxing’s co-promotion model as a template, where rival promoters routinely stage events together. He has publicly welcomed co-promotion with the PFL, recognising the value of their existing talent. Privately, the interest runs equally deep on MVP’s side, suggesting a strong foundation for future collaboration.
The logic behind this synergy is clear: MVP brings the marketing muscle and Paul’s considerable star power, while the PFL provides the extensive, established fighter roster that MVP currently lacks. This combined strength could rival the UFC’s own tentpole cards, offering a compelling alternative to established fight promotions.
Netflix as a key distribution platform
A crucial component of this potential alliance is MVP’s proven ability to draw massive audiences on streaming platforms, particularly Netflix. Their May 16, 2026, MMA debut, featuring Ronda Rousey against Gina Carano, set a U.S. MMA viewership record on Netflix. The event drew an average of 12.4 million viewers globally and 9.3 million in the U.S., highlighting its immense reach.
These figures represent a viewership that no other MMA organisation outside the UFC has approached. Whether Netflix becomes an exclusive home for major events or hosts a regular schedule of fights remains unsettled. But consistent events on the platform, potentially mixing boxing and MMA, would solidify the new entity’s foothold in combat sports.
While Netflix offers significant reach, Bidarian has stated that MVP isn’t exclusively tied to the platform. Other major players like Amazon, Fox, and ESPN are also reportedly in the mix for potential distribution deals. The eventual allegiance to a streaming partner will be a key factor if the merger moves forward, influencing its market penetration and audience accessibility.
Fighter compensation and MVP’s new model
A driving force behind Jake Paul’s efforts has been his commitment to better fighter compensation. His initial partnership with the PFL, announced on January 5, 2023, included the creation of a new PFL PPV SuperFight Division. Fighters competing in this division are guaranteed to earn “at least 50%” of the revenue generated from their bouts.
This revenue-sharing model could be a major draw for top talent looking for a larger slice of the pie. It stands in stark contrast to the UFC’s widely criticised pay structure and aligns with Paul’s broader advocacy for athlete welfare, including comprehensive healthcare. Such an approach could force other promotions to re-evaluate their own compensation packages to remain competitive.
Nakisa Bidarian, who worked at the UFC when Ronda Rousey rose to prominence, pointed to her impact as inspiration. He noted that in 2015, Rousey was more popular than Conor McGregor, yet women often don’t receive equal opportunities or pay. This experience has directly influenced MVP’s commitment to gender equity in combat sports, driving their initiatives.
MVP’s focus on women’s boxing
MVP has already made significant strides in women’s boxing, a testament to their commitment to offering equitable opportunities. They signed pound-for-pound star Amanda Serrano in 2021 and added Ellie Scotney in April 2025. This strong focus on elevating female athletes reflects Bidarian’s belief that women’s combat sports are currently undervalued and deserve greater visibility.
The success of events like the Rousey vs. Carano MMA debut on Netflix further validates this strategy. By investing in and promoting female fighters, MVP aims to create a more inclusive and potentially more lucrative environment for athletes. This could carve out a distinct identity for the merged entity, distinguishing it from rivals like the UFC through a commitment to equity.
Jake Paul’s anticipated MMA debut
While the merger rumours swirl, Jake Paul himself is on the mend following a severe double jaw fracture. He sustained the injury during his knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in December 2025, requiring two surgeries. The most recent corrective procedure took place in February 2026, marking a significant setback for his personal fighting ambitions.
As of July 16, 2026, Paul expects medical clearance for full-contact sparring within weeks, setting the stage for his anticipated mixed martial arts debut. He has openly admitted he’s “never practiced MMA” in its entirety, but has a background in wrestling and boxing. He concedes he would need to learn kicks and jiu-jitsu for an MMA fight, a substantial undertaking for any athlete.
Speculation suggests Paul plans to make his MMA debut against Nate Diaz under his Most Valuable Promotions banner. Paul stated, “We’ve been trying to make the Nate Diaz MMA fight happen for a long time and I think it’s still on the table.” This highly anticipated matchup would undoubtedly draw significant attention and viewers, further boosting MVP’s profile.
Broader implications for the fight industry
A successful merger between MVP and the PFL, particularly one that captures substantial viewership on platforms like Netflix, could herald a new era of competition in combat sports. It would challenge the traditional pay-per-view model and introduce a significant new player with deep pockets and a fresh approach.
The increased competition could ultimately benefit fighters by driving up purses and improving working conditions across the board.
This potential shift aligns with a broader trend in combat sports where new leagues and promotions are emerging. Scott Coker is reportedly building a new global league, and the PFL is actively fighting to maintain its number two spot in the MMA hierarchy.
Discussions around how the UFC handles its roster have also surfaced, with figures like Khabib Nurmagomedov having weighed in on fighter releases in the past, indicating a dynamic and evolving industry.
The emphasis on direct-to-consumer streaming through Netflix highlights a strategic pivot away from traditional broadcasters. If MVP MMA proves successful, it could accelerate this transition, forcing established entities like the UFC to adapt their distribution strategies.
This would be a significant development for both fans and industry stakeholders, impacting everything from broadcast rights to fighter contracts. Meanwhile, other major events are also shaping the combat sports calendar, reflecting a highly active and evolving sector.