John Martin has stepped down from his CEO position with the newly amalgamated PFL-MVP MMA organization, and one of MMA’s stalwarts from behind the scenes has thoughts on this situation. Rich Chou is the individual referenced who has a deep apst with promotions like Rumble on the Rock, Strikeforce, and Bellator MMA, to name but a few. Now with Ki MMA in a high-up role, Chou touched on the nature of Martin stepping down from his position within the Jake Paul-led mixed martial arts federation.

With John Martin no longer being in the fold and making a public statement indicating he was leaving on his own volition, many wondered if a power struggle behind the scenes was what atually transpired. With Strikeforce being acquired by the UFC while Chou was with the former and being on the other side of the aisle with Strikeforce acquiring Elite XC whilst with the California-based company, the MMA industry vet has experienced the full continuum of the acquisition game in combat sports.

Touching upon the news of Martin no longer being involved within the PFL- MVP fold, Chou said [via Bowks Talking Bouts],

“I’ve been on both sides of that situation, Dylan. One is certainly more fun than the other and less stressful [laughs]. But yeah, I’ve been on both sides and I just think it just speaks to; it’s a crazy sport and an even crazier business, man. I wish everybody well that is kind of in limbo while this thing plays out. But yeah, it’s a tough, tough business and I just hope that it just gets resolved soon and I think just things stabilize over there because there’s some good people over there.”

MVP-PFL departure touched on by John Martin himself

By way of his personal Instagram page regarding no longer being enmeshed within this newer PFL-MVP MMA endeavour, John Martin stated,

“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. I’m enormously proud of what this team has accomplished and couldn’t have more confidence in what comes next.”

“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.”

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