TKO Group Holdings president and COO Mark Shapiro responded to the merger of Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions and the PFL by welcoming the new combined company as competition rather than dismissing it. Shapiro acknowledged that MVP and PFL were individually unsustainable but said competition has historically made the UFC stronger. The merged entity plans to promote both boxing and MMA events under the MVP banner, with Paul hinting at a major MMA show in 2027 that could include his own MMA debut.
TKO Group Holdings has offered a measured welcome to the newly merged Most Valuable Promotions and Professional Fighters League, with the company's president and chief operating officer Mark Shapiro framing the combined entity as a healthy addition to the combat sports landscape rather than a threat to be dismissed.
Shapiro addressed the merger publicly, acknowledging that MVP and PFL had each struggled to remain sustainable as standalone operations. Rather than downplaying the new rival, he leaned into a familiar business argument: that competition sharpens everyone involved. His position was captured in a simple phrase — a rising tide lifts all boats — suggesting TKO believes a stronger rival market ultimately benefits the UFC and the broader sport.
The merged company, which will operate under the MVP banner, intends to promote both boxing and MMA events. Jake Paul, whose Most Valuable Promotions has built its reputation primarily in boxing, hinted that the new organization could stage a significant MMA event as early as 2027. Paul also left open the possibility of making his own MMA debut under that umbrella.
Why it matters
- The merger creates a single entity capable of competing in both boxing and MMA, giving it broader commercial reach than either PFL or MVP held separately.
- TKO's welcoming tone signals confidence in the UFC's market position rather than concern about losing ground to the new rival.
- A potential 2027 MMA flagship event from the merged company could pressure UFC for media rights deals, sponsorships, and top-tier free agent fighters.
- Paul's rumored MMA debut, if it materializes, would draw significant mainstream attention to the new promotion and test its ability to compete for casual audiences.
