PFL’s Peter Murray Leaves – What’s Next?

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) officially announced that CEO Peter Murray is departing the organization after an eight-year tenure. 

The departure marks the final phase of a leadership transition that began in July 2025. At that time, Murray moved to the role of CEO of PFL International, while former Turner Broadcasting and Time Warner executive John Martin took over as the primary CEO. PFL Chairman Donn Davis praised Murray’s “relentless entrepreneurship,” noting that the league’s current global footprint—which now includes regional divisions in Europe, MENA, and Africa—would not exist without his leadership.

Under the full direction of John Martin, the PFL is pivoting toward a more traditional “best-versus-best” promotional model for its global cards, moving away from the seasonal tournament format for its top-tier events. For 2026, the promotion has confirmed a massive 24-event global schedule. The PFL’s first major offering of the year, “Road to Dubai,” is set for February 7, 2026, at the Coca-Cola Arena, featuring Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Alfie Davis as the headliners. 

PFL Reacts

“As founding CEO of PFL, Peter played an integral role over the last eight years in the league’s growth and evolution, helping to strengthen the organization’s business operations, expand its global footprint, and establish PFL as a force in the sport of MMA. His leadership and commitment were instrumental during a period of significant development for the company.

“PFL would not be here today without Pete Murray’s relentless entrepreneurship and selfless leadership. He has been my trusted and valued partner building the company and I look forward to his continued support.‘ Peter’s impact will remain part of the sport and PFL’s foundation as the organization continues to build toward the future,” Donn Davis |(PFL founder and chairman) said

The Future

The most significant change is the abandonment of the traditional 10-month tournament for the promotion’s top tier. Instead of forcing a star like Usman Nurmagomedov to fight four times a year against whoever the bracket dictates, Martin’s PFL can now book “marquee” matchups that make the most commercial sense.

The February 7th “Road to Dubai” event is the perfect blueprint: a massive title defense for Nurmagomedov against Alfie Davis (the 2025 tournament winner) that functions as a major standalone attraction. Martin is prioritizing reach over immediate Pay-Per-View (PPV). He has stated that the PFL’s growth depends on being accessible. For 2026, expect an emphasis on the PFL’s relationship with ESPN and deals like DAZN.