Matt Brown On PFL-MVP Merger Versus UFC

Retired UFC welterweight Matt Brown called the newly announced PFL-Most Valuable Promotions merger a smart business move but said the combined company still cannot compete with the UFC.

Brown told The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast that joining forces makes sense for both organizations, though they will remain a distant second in the MMA landscape. He backed UFC CEO Dana White's earlier dismissal of the merger as a competitive threat.

Brown Says Merged Promotion Should Avoid Direct UFC Competition

The former title contender said the merged entity would be better served carving out its own identity rather than trying to outspend or out-recruit the industry leader. "I certainly think it's a smart thing for both of those companies to do," Brown said, per Sherdog. "Come together, join forces, try to build something big. Unfortunately, they're in a space where they're still just going to be No. 2."

Brown argued that fighters prioritize the biggest stage over money, claiming nearly all competitors would take a UFC bout for minimal pay over a high-dollar PFL fight. He acknowledged the merger could raise pay standards across the sport but said chasing the UFC on star power remains futile.

The PFL-MVP merger was announced last week with plans to combine rosters and broadcast platforms under a single banner.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Matt Brown gives PFL-MVP credit, but says UFC gap remains massive