PFL CEO John Martin Talks Netflix Super Show With MVP & Global No. 2 Spot

InnovationGamingPFL CEO John Martin Talks Netflix Super Show With MVP & Global No. 2 SpotByBrian Mazique,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brian Mazique has covered combat sports and video games since 2011.Follow AuthorMay 30, 2026, 12:55am EDTCHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 11: John Martin, Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Fighters League speaks to the media after PFL Chicago at Wintrust Arena on April 11, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)Getty ImagesI caught up with PFL CEO John Martin and discussed the promotion’s immediate plans, ideas of a collaboration with Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul with MVP MMA and more. It was an enlightening conversation with some exciting concepts discussed.Why Is 2026 The Most Important Year In PFL History?Martin opened by reframing the "most important year" line that has trailed him through every press cycle this winter. For him, the urgency isn't slogan-deep — it's tied to the ESPN deal running down and the competitive landscape getting busier all at once."It's really critical that we establish ourselves at a growing level, even more so than what we've done before," Martin told me. "I'm pleased to report, you know, we've got a lot of hard work ahead of us. But so far, there's some early indications that it's working. Ticket sales are up, ratings are up at ESPN."He framed the moment around the field expanding around the PFL. "The global MMA landscape, on the one hand is really hot. And that's good. But I want to make sure that PFL is strongly cemented as one of the leaders, the number two global promotion in the world," Martin said. "We're in discussions with U.S. broadcasters, so that we may have a new broadcast partner next year. I think it's critical for us this year."The arrival of MVP MMA and the announcement of Scott Coker's new glo...