Most Valuable Promotions is positioning itself as a direct competitor to the UFC, with co-founder Nakisa Bidarian saying the company will pay fighters 50 percent of revenue. That compensation model is central to MVP's strategy to attract top talent and gain market share in mixed martial arts.
Bidarian said the UFC won't match the 50 percent share because doing so would crush its margins, reduce its enterprise value and hurt the personal net worth of its principals — a financial constraint that gives MVP an advantage in deal structuring.
Bidarian brings direct institutional knowledge to that argument: he previously served as the UFC's chief financial officer.
The recent merger between Most Valuable Promotions and the Professional Fighters League marks a significant step in that challenge. The combined entity plans to launch a new league in 2027.
MVP's strategy also includes building tentpole events around its star talent. Jake Paul is a key figure in that effort, providing a platform for high-profile matchups.
The UFC has already responded to the competition. Dana White, the UFC president, has allegedly threatened fighters to deter them from signing with MVP. That reaction signals the threat MVP poses to the established order.
Former UFC star Ronda Rousey has not ruled out an appearance in MVP MMA 2. Rousey has also reignited a public conflict with Hunter Campbell, a UFC executive, adding to the tension between the two organizations.
MVP intends to remain a private company, which Bidarian said gives it the flexibility to pursue long-term value through aggressive fighter pay without pressure from quarterly earnings or public shareholders.
Bidarian said offering fighters half of revenue generates substantial long-term business value — a model that contrasts sharply with traditional combat sports structures.
