John Martin steps down as CEO of MVP-PFL - MMA Junkie

The MVP-PFL era will move forward without John Martin.

On Tuesday, Martin announced that he's resigned as CEO less than two months after MVP and PFL merged into one company.

"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," Martin said in a statement posted on Instagram.

Martin's announcement included a show of support for MVP chief Nakisa Bidarian, Jake Paul's longtime manager, who is expected to lead the new combined MMA promotion.

"I'm enormously proud of what this team has accomplished and couldn't have more confidence in what comes next," Martin said. "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's departure comes only 14 months after he took over for Peter Murray, who had served as CEO of the PFL since January 2018. Martin, a black belt in karate and blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, came to the PFL after serving as chairman and CEO of both Turner and Time Warner.