John Martin, a veteran media executive known for helping build billion-dollar brands, has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Fighters League.

Bringing a unique combination of passion and proven leadership to the PFL, Martin began his martial arts journey at the age of 25, earning a black belt in karate and studying various disciplines, including jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and Aikido. "I became addicted to martial arts, " Martin says. "It gave me discipline, self-respect, and something I now pass down to my children. "

That same discipline has driven his business success. As CEO of Turner Broadcasting, Martin managed 130 channels across nearly 200 countries and played a key role in leading the company to a historic $108 billion sale in 2018. "My focus as CEO has always been: how do we grow the value and revenue of a business?"

With the global explosion of mixed martial arts, now the third-largest sport in the world, Martin envisions a transformational future for the PFL. "MMA is borderless, " he says. "The current fan base is underserved, and there is potential for more than one strong global brand. PFL is well-positioned to fill that gap." 

His mission is clear: elevate the PFL into the next tier of global sports franchises while keeping fighters and fans at the center. "We're going to continue building great platforms, delivering incredible events, and bringing PFL to more people, in more places, in more ways than ever before. "

Martin also highlighted the league's distinctive global model: "The majority of MMA fans are outside the U.S. That's why we're establishing international leagues to discover and develop the next generation of champions from around the world."

From homegrown talents like Dakota Ditcheva and Thad Jean to global expansion across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, Martin foresees a bold new chapter ahead. "I'm excited to lead the PFL into the future. The opportunity here is unmatched in global sports."