MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS AND PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE MERGE TO CREATE A NEW GLOBAL COMBAT SPORTS PLATFORM POWERHOUSE

 

Press Release: July 30, 2026 By Most Valuable Promotions - he combined company will operate under the MVP banner, bringing together world-class boxing, MMA, live events, athlete development, and worldwide content distribution under one fighter-first organization, creating a combat sports company for the new era. 

The new company will be led by Co-Founders and Board Members Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, with John Martin serving as CEO and Board Member. Bidarian will continue to oversee MVP's boxing business and blockbuster live events (BLE), with the company backed by Founding Investors 885 Capital and Knighthead Capital Management

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and the Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced a landmark merger, creating a new home of combat sports under the MVP banner. The transaction accelerates MVP’s expansion into mixed martial arts following the record-setting success of MVP MMA 1 and creates a global sports and entertainment company that brings together boxing, MMA, media, blockbuster live events, athlete development, and worldwide content distribution. MVP will continue operating with a fighter-first philosophy focused on equitable compensation, maximum visibility, and opportunities for athletes to build their brands both inside and outside of competition. 

PFL CEO John Martin will serve as CEO and board member, and lead the overall business of the combined company. Martin is one of the most accomplished media, sports, and entertainment executives in the industry, having previously served as Chairman and CEO of Turner, where he oversaw a portfolio including TNT, TBS, CNN, and Turner Sports, and as Chief Financial Officer of Time Warner. Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian will be co-founders and board members and continue to play active leadership roles across the business. Bidarian will continue to drive MVP’s boxing verticals and BLEs, and work closely with Martin and the executi

ve team. Paul, the world’s most-followed combat sports promoter, will continue leveraging his platform, audience, and cultural influence to drive audience growth, fighter development, brand expansion, and fan engagement across all areas of the business. 

As part of the transaction, existing PFL shareholders 885 Capital and affiliated entities of Knighthead Capital Management, LLC ("Knighthead Capital") are becoming Founding Investors of the new entity, committing new capital and ensuring the combined company launches with the strongest balance sheet in its history. 885 Capital’s Sudeep Ramnani and Jai Mahtani are global technology and sports entrepreneurs and investors, bringing their cutting-edge, international operating insight to the business. Ara Cohen is a co-founder of Knighthead Capital, a diversified institutional investment firm with extensive experience partnering with management teams to build and scale businesses over the long term, providing strategic capital and operational support across complex industries, including in sport. 

MVP will be the master brand for all combat sports properties of the new entity. MVP and MVPW will continue as BLE and boxing cornerstones of the company.

PFL has an elite MMA fighter roster, global league operations and infrastructure, media assets and proven ability to stage world class MMA events across the world. This will form the foundation of MVP MMA with the migration being fully completed in the coming mont

hs. The combined company will host five premium live events across boxing and MMA in August, demonstrating the scale and capabilities of th

e new platform. 

Together, MVP will feature nearly 400 elite athletes, including world champions, title contenders, and many of the biggest names across combat sports.  The company intends to invest aggressively in both boxing and MMA.

MVP and PFL will maintain relationships with many of the world's leading media and distribution partners, including Netflix, ESPN, Sky Sports, and PFL's extensive network of 34 partners across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other key territories, including Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand. Together, these relationships form one of the most comprehensive distribution platforms in combat sports.

Since launching in 2021, MVP has become one of the fastest-growing and most influential brands in sports, staging some of the most-watched events the sport has ever seen and reaching hundreds of millions of fans around the world, with particular strength among hard-to-reach Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and women's sports fans. The company has delivered the most-streamed sporting event of all time, the most-viewed professional women's sporting match in U.S. history, the most-streamed MMA event in U.S. history, and record-setting compensation for female athletes across all sports. Through partnerships with Netflix, ESPN, Sky Sports, DAZN, and other leading media companies, MVP has built an internationally recognized brand and established itself as a leader in athlete-first promotion, content creation, and fan engagement.

PFL has built one of the most expansive global platforms in MMA, with a world-class roster of more than 300 fighters representing over 40 countries and a live event footprint spanning four continents. In just over seven years, PFL has staged more than 100 premium live events across 14 countries and was the first organization to hold major MMA events in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Spain and across Africa. In 2026 alone, PFL will produce 24 events across 11 countries, delivering approximately 150 hours of live content to fans. This global infrastructure, combined with PFL's deep fighter roster, premium live event expertise and worldwide distribution, provides a powerful platform to accelerate the growth of MVP MMA and expand the combined company's reach and impact around the world.

Nakisa Bidarian, Co-founder and Board Member of Most Valuable Promotions, said:

“Since launching MVP, our goal has always been bigger than just building a boxing promotion. It has been to build the future of combat sports. In less than five years, MVP has become one of the most influential and culturally relevant brands in the industry, producing some of the biggest events in combat sports history, elevating women’s boxing to unprecedented heights, and bringing millions of new fans into the fight game. The success of MVP MMA’s first event confirmed our belief that there is enormous demand for a modern, fighter-first approach to MMA. This merger accelerates our MMA ambitions while strengthening our ability to continue investing in boxing and MVPW. By combining MVP’s audience-building engine, storytelling capabilities, and brand with PFL’s roster, infrastructure, and international footprint, we are creating a new global home for combat sports. Under the leadership of John Martin, a world-class media executive with deep MMA knowledge, and investment from leading financiers 885 Capital and Knighthead Capital, MVP is going to achieve great things for fighters, fans, and partners.”

John Martin, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of the new company, said:

“Over the past seven years, PFL has built the world’s No. 2 global MMA company, assembling one of the sport’s most elite fighter rosters while creating a world-class global business with premier media distribution across 34 broadcast and streaming partners, reaching fans in more than 170 countries. At the same time, MVP has redefined how combat sports connects with a new generation of fans,

creating events that become cultural moments and proving that athletes, sports, entertainment and creators can all thrive together.  This merger brings scale - in operations, in distribution and media rights, in sponsorship, in fighter development and in fan engagement. 

We're not just combining companies, we're bringing an entire combat sports community together and creating a more powerful platform to accelerate growth. One company, one global stage, millions of fans and we're only just getting started. I'm excited to work with Jake and Nakisa as we build the future of combat sports together, and I'm deeply grateful for the continued confidence and support of our lead investors, 885 Capital and Knighthead Capital Management.”

Jake Paul, Co-founder and Board Member

of Most Valuable Promotions

, said:

"W

e started MVP to disrupt a broken model. We wanted to give fighters fair pay and a bigger, modernized s

tage to become global superstars. Joining forces with PFL accelerates that vision by a decade. We now have a scaled platform to give today's fans what they want: elite talent mixed with culture, lifestyle, and massive social velocity. MVP was always bigger than me and bigger than any one fighter. MVP is an inevitable movement that needs to happen for the athletes, and now we have all the resources we need to build something that changes this sport forever. I have more conviction in MVP than ever, driven by the proliferation of AI, which will only increase the value of real, live experiences and the sports properties that can bring fans closer to the athletes they love. I look forward to putting my entire promotional muscle into our new company, returning to the boxing ring and making my MVP MMA debut. To all current MVP and PFL fighters, things just got bigger. To fighters fighting in other organizations, we are open for business when you are contractually free. The time for change is now. Welcome to MVP."

Sudeep Ramnani, co-founder of 885 Capital, said:

“We’ve spent our careers building and backing businesses across global markets and few things travel across every border, language, and generation like combat sports. Partnering with Jake Paul, Nakisa Bidarian, and John Martin to bring PFL’s international infrastructure and roster together with MVP’s audience engine builds a business with the scale, talent, and distribution to lead the category. It reaches fans from the most established markets to the fastest-growing regions in the world, with a fighter-first model built for how audiences consume sport today. At 885 Capital, we back founders and leaders who are building industries from first principles, and we believe this platform will do exactly that, while redefining the future of combat sports. As founding investors, we’re proud to commit new capital to help John Martin and the team build the premier global platform for fighters and fans.”

Ara Cohen, Co-Founder and Managing Member of Knighthead Capital said:

“This transaction brings together highly complementary assets to create a scaled global combat sports platform with significant long-term growth potential. MVP has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build audiences, create cultural relevance, and elevate athletes, while PFL has built world-class MMA operations, international reach, and a deep roster of talent. We are pleased to deepen Knighthead Capital’s investment and support John Martin, Jake Paul, Nakisa Bidarian, and the broader leadership team as they build what we believe can become one of the premier global sports media and entertainment platforms.”

Goodwin Procter LLP served as legal counsel to Most Valuable Promotions, with MVP’s Rick Torres leading the transaction. Cooley LLP served as legal counsel to the Professional Fighters League, with PFL’s Jim Bramson leading the transaction. 

Additional leadership, organizational, and operational details will be announced at a later date. For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) is a global combat sports and entertainment company built for the next generation of athletes and fans. The company operates across boxing, mixed martial arts, live events, media, content, athlete development, and global distribution, with a fighter-first philosophy centered on equitable compensation, maximum visibility, and long-term brand building.

Led by co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian and Chief Executive Officer John Martin and backed by founding investors 885 Capital & Knighthead, MVP promotes some of the world's biggest combat sports events and represents a roster of nearly 400 elite athletes, including world champions, titleholders, contenders, and emerging stars. MVP's portfolio includes MVP, MVPW, and MVP MMA, bringing together premier boxing and mixed martial arts properties under one global brand.

Through partnerships with leading media and distribution platforms including Netflix, ESPN, Sky Sports, and an extensive international network reaching fans across more than 170 countries, MVP delivers world-class competition and entertainment to audiences worldwide. By combining elite athletes, premium live events, compelling storytelling, and global media reach, MVP is building the future of combat sports.

About 885 Capital

885 Capital is a UAE-based investment firm founded by Sudeep Ramnani and Jai Mahtani. The firm focuses on innovative, founder-led businesses shaping the global sports and technology industries, in addition to diversifying into cutting-edge real estate projects and other future-defining sectors. In sports, 885 Capital has backed innovative sports properties including Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) / Professional Fighters League (PFL) in combat sports and Baller League in six-a-side football, and is the

owner of Madrid-based football club C.D. Leganés. The firm is guided by a long-term, conviction-driven approach.

About Knighthead Capital Management, LLC (Knighthead Capital)

Knighthead Capital Management, LLC (Knighthead Capital) was co-founded in 2008 by Tom Wagner and Ara Cohen and has grown to become a diversified asset management platform with an experienced team of investment professionals, specializing in fundamental analysis, operational and financial turnarounds and risk management. Knighthead Capital’s long-term objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for its clients while emphasizing the preservation of capital. Knighthead Capital manages assets across a variety of investment vehicles including insurance asset management, real estate lending, and closed and open-ended vehicles.

In sports,

Knighthead Capital’s

holdings include investments in English football club Birmingham City, NASCAR franchise Legacy Motor Club and cricket’s Birmingham Phoenix competing in The Hundred

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The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved. 

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MVP Signs Top-Ranked Title Contender Tysie Gallagher

Press Release: June 26, 2026 By Most Valuable Promotions - NEW YORK, NY – June 22, 2026

— MVP today announced the signing of 

Tysie "The First Lady" Gallagher

(10-2), the first-ever female British super bantamweight champion, reigning Commonwealth, BBBoC British, and WBO International champion, and #5 IBF contender at 122lbs. Gallagher becomes the latest elite athlete to join MVP following the launch of MVPW, the year-round global home of women's boxing, which continues to assemble the deepest roster of world champions and contenders in the sport. Gallagher joins fellow MVP UK standouts including Ellie Scotney, Caroline Dubois, Chantelle Cameron, Savannah Marshall, Terri Harper, Ramla Ali and Shannon Courtenay, among others.

A native of Luton, Bedfordshire, England, Gallagher has established herself as one of the United Kingdom's most accomplished female fighters. She began boxing at age 10 and enjoyed a decorated amateur career spanning 35 bouts, winning two national titles, twice reaching the ABA Senior Elite Championship finals, and representing England on the international stage. Since turning professional, Gallagher has continued to break barriers, becoming the first-ever female British super bantamweight champion while also capturing the Commonwealth and WBO International titles at 122lbs.

Now ranked the IBF’s #5 contender in the world, Gallagher has emerged as one of the leading contenders in the super bantamweight division. In November 2023, she challenged Segolene Lefebvre for the WBO world title in just her eighth pro fight, further cementing her status among the division's elite. Known for her toughness, relentless work ethic, and willingness to take on the biggest challenges, Gallagher enters the next chapter of her career with her sights firmly set on becoming a world champion. Outside the ring, she is a proud mother to her seven-year-old daughter, balancing elite-level competition with family life while serving as an inspiration to women and young athletes across the UK. Gallagher most recently earned a unanimous decision win over challenger Ellie Hellewell in defense of her Commonwealth, BBBoC British, and WBO International titles in September 2025. She was initially scheduled to compete on MVP’s UK debut event, MVPW-01, in April 2026, but was forced to withdraw due to injury.

“Signing a multi-year deal with Most Valuable Promotions is a huge moment in my career, and I want to thank Nakisa Bidarian, Jake Paul, and Mike Leanardi for this opportunity,”

said Tysie Gallagher.

“I’m excited to represent Britain on the global stage and become world champion!”

"Few fighters have done more to push British women's boxing forward than Tysie Gallagher, a fighter who has consistently proven herself against top competition and built one of the strongest resumes in the country,"

said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions.

"From becoming the first-ever female British super bantamweight champion to earning top-five world rankings and challenging for a world title, she has demonstrated the skill, toughness, and determination that embody everything MVP looks for in its athletes. As we continue to strengthen MVPW's global roster and deepen our roster within the 122lb division, we're excited to welcome another elite UK fighter and provide the platform for Tysie to pursue her world title ambitions."

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @TysieGallagher, or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @tysiegallagher.

About MVP

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was founded in August 2021 by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian with a fighter first ethos. Since inception, MVP has produced 30 live boxing events, currently promotes over 60 fighters, 18 world champions, and 26 top contenders.

MVP has led boxing’s evolution in the streaming era through partnerships with the world’s leading platforms. In November 2024, MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 was the first-ever live professional sports event streamed on Netflix. Paul vs. Tyson shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event of all time with 125 million live viewers worldwide. MVP went on to partner with Netflix twice in 2025 for MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day.

Today, MVP is the global home of women’s boxing. MVP’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in 2022 was the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden, while Taylor vs. Serrano 2 in 2024 saw 74 million viewers globally on Netflix and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. Their 2025 trilogy on Netflix topped an all-women’s megacard that set the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 17 world titles, earning nearly 6 million viewers globally. 

Material Courtesy of: Most Valuable Promotions Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

MVPW 04 Set For June 13 In Orlando On ESPN Unlimited

Credit: Most Valuable Promotions 

Press Release: May 21, 2026 By Most Valuable Promotions-  NEW YORK, NY – May 20, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced final bouts for MVPW-04, taking place live on ESPN+ on Saturday, June 13 at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. On the main card, MVP’s and Tampa’s WBA super flyweight world champion Jasmine “Animal” Artiga (15-0-1, 7 KOs) will make her third world title defense against WBA Interim champion and mandatory challenger Nataly Delgado (20-7-2, 5 KOs) over 10 rounds at 115lbs. On the preliminary card will be a clash of professional debuts with MVP’s undefeated Brazilian boxer and influencer Jully Poca, the most-followed active female boxer in the world, set to rematch Monica Medina in a professionally sanctioned super lightweight bout over 4 rounds at 140lbs. Joining them will be MVP’s WBA #1 super flyweight contender at 115lbs LeAnna Cruz (11-0, 1 KO) vs. Rubi Gutierrez (8-3-1, 1 KO) in an 8-round super flyweight bout at 115lbs, MVP’s #1 WBA contender Brittany Sims (9-3, 5 KOs), making her promotional debut vs. top contender Naomy Cardenas (10-1, 2 KOs) in an 8-round bantamweight bout at 118lbs, MVP’s 19-time US national champion Sa'Rai Brown El making her pro debut, and Jordan Orozco Hernandez (16-0, 16 KOs) vs. Fernando Diaz (16-7-1) in a 10-round bantamweight bout at 118lbs. Orlando’s Jayson Martinez will also join the card for his pro debut.

MVPW on ESPN showcases the sport’s most elite female fighters with championship bouts on every card and will always feature a main card composed entirely of female fighters, with an undercard including a mix of female and male bouts. The fourth installment of MVPW-04, the new year-round global platform for women’s boxing from MVP, will be headlined by MVP’s IBF super welterweight world champion Oshae Jones (9-0, 3 KOs) vs. mandatory challenger and #1 IBF contender Elia Carranza (11-2, 3 KOs) in a 10-round world title rematch at 154lbs following the pair’s tightly-contested first world title clash in 2025. In the co-main event, MVP’s WBC featherweight world champion Tiara Brown (20-0, 11 KOs) will make a 10-round 126lbs defense of her title against top-ranked contender Hannah Rapp (8-0-1, 5 KOs). Also on the main card, MVP’s and Argentina’s unified WBO, WBA, and IBF light flyweight champion Evelin Bermudez (22-1-1, 8 KOs) makes her promotional debut in a 10-round defense vs. Mexico’s IBF #1 contender Estefany Alegria (14-1-0, 4 KOs) at 108lbs. The preliminary card will also feature MVP’s two-time Brazilian Olympian Keno Marley (1-0) and  Boxlab Promotions’ undefeated Gabriela Tellez (7-0, 3 KOs) against TBA opponents. Tickets for MVPW-04 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. All media wishing to be credentialed for MVPW-04 must apply here.

WBA super flyweight world champion and Tampa, Florida’s first native-born world champion Jasmine “Animal” Artiga transitioned from playing gridiron in the Legends Football League to boxing at age 21, quickly carving out an impressive resume. After 13 unbeaten bouts, including a first round TKO win on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects series in February 2024, she stormed into the spotlight on March 22, 2025, winning the vacant WBA female super flyweight title via majority decision over Mexico’s Regina Chávez. Artiga, Tampa’s first native world champion, was recently honored with a city proclamation from Mayor Jane Castor, honoring her athletic achievements and commitment to community mentorship. Standing 5′4″ with a 64″ reach, the 33-year-old Artiga continues to build momentum as one of women's boxing’s hungriest new champions. She made her first successful world title defense with a TKO win on MVP Fight Night in August 2025, and defended her title again against challenger Stephanie Silva in December 2025.

“Nataly Delgado has perfected her craft and has earned being a mandatory challenger,“ said Jasmine Artiga. “The world will see two top females in their weight class contest their skills, strength, power, and will.”

Nataly Estefany Delgado Hernández is a 31-year-old pro boxer from Santiago de Veraguas, Panama, Republic of Panama, holding a record of 20 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws across 29 fights. She has faced top competition throughout her career, including bouts against now-undisputed world champion Gabriela Fundora, former world champions Clara Lescurat and Maribel Ramírez, and Johana Zúñiga for the WBA Fedelatin Championship. Delgado won the Interim WBA super flyweight world title at 115lbs in July 2025 and has since made two successful defenses. She is now the mandatory challenger for Jasmine Artiga’s WBA world title.

"God's plans are perfect and always designed for our own good. I'm grateful to MVP for this opportunity, honored, and very much motivated,” said Nataly Delgado. “We have earned this via very hard work, and I will deliver. I'm ready to fight in this Champion vs. Champion showdown. I hope Artiga is also ready. Let's give boxing fans around the world a fight to remember."

“MVPW-04 once again delivers four back to back world title fights and features seven promotional debuts from some of our most exciting new signees at MVP, from Oshae Jones, Tiara Brown and Evelin Bermudez to our stacked undercard with Brazil’s Jully Poca, the most followed active boxer in the world, #1 contenders LeAnna Cruz and Brittany Sims, and one of the best talents out of Team USA in the last few years with 19x national champion Sa’Rai Brown-El, ” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “Anchored by a back-to-back-to-back-to-back championship main card from MVP’s defending champions, MVPW only gets bigger and better on Saturday, June 13 in Orlando, live on ESPN+.”

Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, Jully Poca is a powerhouse athlete who has dominated the crossover boxing scene with an undefeated record. Originally Brazil’s premier female fitness influencer, her life took a sharp turn in 2023 when she was invited to compete in the UK alongside megastar Whindersson Nunes. Despite only training for three months prior to her debut, she discovered a profound passion for the sport and has spent the last three years training exclusively as a full-time boxer. Under the tutelage of renowned coach Antonio Filho, the mentor behind former WBO champion Rose Volante, Poca has solidified her status by going undefeated to date and is now set to make her fully sanctioned professional debut with Most Valuable Promotions. Beyond her technical prowess, Jully possesses a magnetic public profile built on genuine courage. She first captured the Brazilian public's heart when she intervened in a violent road-rage incident, physically subduing a man who was attacking two women until police arrived. This act of heroism, combined with her athletic transition, has earned her a massive digital footprint. With 3 million Instagram followers, Poca is set to become the most-followed female professional boxer in the world the moment she makes her pro debut, bridging the gap between social media stardom and elite combat sports.

“She asked for a rematch, I said let’s do it,” said Jully Poca. “Some stories need to have a definite ending, that’s what I’m coming to do. I’m excited to make my debut in Orlando and hope to see the local Brazilian community come out to support on Saturday, June 13!” 

Monica Medina comes to the ring from Vardaman, Mississippi. She will make her pro debut following her career so far bare knuckle boxing, dirty boxing and crossover boxing. Medina previously faced off with Poca in 2025, and now the pair will face off in a professionally sanctioned rematch.

“Jully this time when you go  down you’re staying down, said Medina. “You truly didn’t beat me last time, and this time I’ll show everyone who the better boxer is”

Gabriela “Sosa” Tellez is an undefeated rising prospect in the lightweight division, holding a 7-0 record with 3 knockouts. At just 19 years old, the orthodox fighter has already built a strong foundation with over 90 amateur bouts, showcasing maturity and ring IQ well beyond her years. Born in Vero Beach, Florida, and now fighting out of San Antonio, Texas, Tellez began boxing at the age of six and has quickly developed into one of the sport’s most promising young talents. Standing 5’3” and competing at 135 pounds, she is known for her sharp jab, her favorite punch, and disciplined style. Inspired by legends like Andre Ward and current pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford, Tellez has set ambitious goals to become the youngest women’s world champion, unify the division, and serve as an inspiration to the next generation of fighters. She is currently ranked WBA #3 contender in the world at 130lbs.

LeAnna Cruz is a 28-year-old Puerto Rican-American professional boxer competing at 115lbs who Cruz has built her career on consistency, discipline, and a deep respect for the craft of boxing. Of proud Puerto Rican heritage, Cruz brings grit and heart into every training camp and every fight. Her style blends sharp fundamentals with intelligent pressure, allowing her to control distance, dictate pace, and adapt to any opponent placed in front of her. Inside the ring, she is focused and methodical; outside the ring, she is respected for her humility, professionalism, and commitment to growth. Signing with Most Valuable Promotions represents a major milestone for Cruz, who holds ambitions for placing her on a global stage and firmly. She is the WBA #1 contender at super flyweight, 115lbs.

“Rubi Gutierrez is a great opponent to step back in the ring with,” said LeAnna Cruz. “She has a SD loss against a future world champion and is not afraid to lose or for a challenge. I have a ton of respect for her coming up two  weight classes to share the ring with me, but on Saturday, June 13th she’ll learn that was a huge mistake.”

Rubi “La Panterita” Gutierrez is a 20-year-old rising contender from Saltillo, Mexico. She is currently on a three-fight winning streak, most recently earning a unanimous decision victory in April 2026.

WBA #1 contender at 118lbs Brittany “Eagle Flex” Sims has engineered one of the most impressive turnarounds in women’s boxing, having transformed her career from a 1–3 start into a formidable 9–3 record, highlighted by her current eight-fight winning streak. A well-rounded athlete, Sims brings a diverse background in MMA and track and field, tools that have helped shape her explosiveness, conditioning, and ring IQ. She also dominated in the TCL league, where she put together an incredible 16-fight winning streak. During her rise, Sims captured the WBA Americas Continental title, the NABF title, and the WBA International title, achievements that positioned her as the WBA’s #1 contender and mandatory challenger for the world championship against Cherneka Johnson. Trained by Lemuel Rodriguez and managed by Dave Dubinsky of DKO and fighting out of Bethlehem, Sims now looks ahead to the next chapter of her career with Most Valuable Promotions.

“Cardenas is not someone to overlook. She is a great boxer, and I have a lot of respect for her and her team. That being said, my team and I have been working extremely hard every day. I’m prepared, focused, and ready for the moment,” said Brittany Sims. “May I be swift like an eagle, strong like a lion, and fight with the strength of ten men. It’s almost time to fly.”

Naomy Cardenas is a 26-year-old boxer from Chihuahua, Mexico. Cardenas made her international debut in June 2025 as part of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 13, winning by split decision. Following the bout, she stepped up to contend for the WBO super flyweight world title, losing by decision to reigning champion Mizuki Hiruta. She most recently rebounded with a UD win in March 2026.

“I’m very happy for the opportunity MVP is once again giving me,” said Cardenas. “I know I have a strong and intelligent opponent in front of me, which will make for an even better fight because of the contrast in styles. I have had great preparation behind me and I’m coming in with the hunger for victory.”

19-time US national champion Sa’Rai Brown-El comes from a proud lineage of fighters and was born into boxing royalty, but her rise wasn’t guaranteed. Her mother first saw her spark, despite early resistance from her father and coach, who didn’t believe boxing was a sport for women. Everything changed during a family trip to her birthplace in Albany, NY when a visit to her uncle’s boxing gym flipped the script. Once Brown-El stepped into the ring, her natural talent spoke louder than tradition ever could, and her father never looked back. She began boxing at the age of 10. What followed was a journey defined by relentless discipline, a powerful work ethic, and a fierce hunger to master the craft of boxing. That fire drove her to the top of the amateur ranks, where she became the first female boxer from Georgia to win both the Junior Olympics and the National Silver Gloves. Within a year, she had become a national champion, marking the beginning of her dominance. By age 14, she had cemented her name in history as one of the most decorated young female boxers in the country, ranked #1 in her age and weight class by USA Boxing and holding the most wins across all female divisions at the time. In 2019, she earned a coveted spot on Team USA after winning the USA Boxing National Championships, becoming the first female boxer from Georgia to achieve those honors. A five-time international medalist and seven-time Georgia Female Boxer of the Year, Brown-El’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. USA Boxing named her the future of women’s boxing—a title that carries weight, and one she’s ready to live up to. With her amateur legacy cemented, the 19-year-old now joins MVP’s elite roster of women’s fighters ahead of her professional debut this year, entering into the professional ranks with one goal: to take over women’s boxing.

WBA and WBO #12 ranked contender Jordan Orozco Hernandez will also join the undercard. He boasts a fearsome 100% KO ratio on his 16-0 record, with 16 knockouts. The 21-year-old Nicaraguan bantamweight most recently earned a second round TKO win over Daniel Olea in March. Orozco will face Fernando Diaz. Diaz is a 26-year-old prospect from Riverside, California. 

Jayson Martinez will make his pro debut on MVW-04. Born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and currently residing in Orlando, Florida, Martinez completed a 30-fight amateur career earning a top six national ranking. The 22-year-old has built a reputation for his skill, discipline, and exciting style as he prepares for his professional debut. 

MVPW-04 is produced and marketed by MVP and promoted by MVP and Boxlab Promotions.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

About MVP

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was founded in August 2021 by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian with a fighter first ethos. Since inception, MVP has produced 30 live boxing events, currently promotes nearly 60 fighters, 16 world champions, and 26 top contenders.

MVP has led boxing’s evolution in the streaming era through partnerships with the world’s leading platforms. In November 2024, MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 was the first-ever live professional sports event streamed on Netflix. Paul vs. Tyson shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event of all time with 125 million live viewers worldwide. MVP went on to partner with Netflix twice in 2025 for MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day.

Today, MVP is the global home of women’s boxing. MVP’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in 2022 was the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden, while Taylor vs. Serrano 2 in 2024 saw 74 million viewers globally on Netflix and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. Their 2025 trilogy on Netflix topped an all-women’s megacard that set the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 17 world titles, earning nearly 6 million viewers globally. 

About ESPN

ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans on the ESPN App, providing more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, including more than 47,000 live events per year, on-demand replays, industry-leading studio shows and original programming, and more. The ESPN App gives fans a unique viewing experience that includes multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options, swipe-able vertical video and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as integrated game stats, ESPN Fantasy sports, betting odds and information from DraftKings, sports merchandise, and more. These features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a pay TV package. Bundling options available for fans include a limited time offer for the ESPN DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. For more visit stream.espn.com.

Material  and Photo Courtesy of: Most Valuable Promotions Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS SIGNS THREE-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION, POUND FOR POUND TOP 10 AND 2016 U.S. OLYMPIAN MIKAELA MAYER

Press Release: March 14, 2026 (Originally released March 13, 2026 By Most Valuable Promotions - NEW YORK, NY – March 13, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the signing of three-division world champion, reigning two-division world champion, and 2016 U.S. Olympian Mikaela Mayer (22-2, 5 KOs). Mayer, currently the unified WBA and WBC super welterweight world champion at 154lbs and the reigning WBO welterweight world champion at 147lbs is Ring Magazine’s #3, ESPN’s #6, and Boxrec’s #10 pound-for-pound talent globally and one of the most accomplished and respected fighters in women’s boxing. Mayer’s signing represents another major addition to MVP’s rapidly expanding roster of elite female fighters and comes as the company launches MVPW, its new global platform dedicated to women’s boxing. Mayer also becomes the latest Olympian to sign with MVP, joining Oshae Jones, Caroline Dubois, Tamm Thibeault, Ramla Ali, Jahmal Harvey, Nelvie Tiafack, and Keno Marley. 

Mayer joins MVP at a pivotal moment as the company continues to expand its roster of elite female athletes, representing more than 40 elite women’s fighters, 15 reigning women’s world champions, and 22 top female contenders, and promoted many of the most-watched, historic, and highest-grossing women’s boxing fights of all time. MVPW will deliver a year-round schedule of the best fighting the best with ESPN as the U.S. home of MVPW events through 2028, combining linear broadcast and streaming distribution. 

Reigning unified WBA and WBC super welterweight world champion at 154lbs and the reigning WBO welterweight world champion at 147lbs Mayer, a 2016 U.S. Olympian, jumped out to a 17-0 record to begin her pro career while winning a pair of junior lightweight world titles and becoming a pound-for-pound mainstay. Mayer lost her perfect record in a debated 2022 split decision loss to Alycia Baumgardner in a bid for the undisputed junior lightweight title. In January 2024, she contended for the IBF welterweight world title against Natasha Jonas. While a Jonas rematch did not materialize, Mayer seized her second opportunity to become a two-weight world champion. In September 2024, she defeated WBO welterweight world champion Sandy Ryan by majority decision in a Fight of the Year contender. Six months later, Mayer bested Ryan by unanimous decision in Las Vegas, putting an exclamation point on their fierce 20-round rivalry. Mayer conquered a third weight class in October 2025, dominating Canadian star Mary Spencer over 10 rounds in Montreal to capture the WBA, WBC, and WBO junior middleweight titles. She is currently ranked Ring Magazine’s #3, ESPN’s #6 and Boxrec’s #10 pound-for-pound talent globally.

“I’m thrilled to join Most Valuable Promotions as we continue breaking barriers and elevating women’s boxing to new heights,” said Mikaela Mayer. “I’ve always wanted the biggest and best fights, and MVP’s premier roster of women champions creates incredible opportunities to make those matchups happen. I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills on some of the biggest platforms in the sport and working with a passionate, innovative team that believes in the continued growth of women’s boxing.”

“Mikaela is one of the most accomplished fighters in women’s boxing and a proven champion across multiple weight classes,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “She has competed on the sport’s biggest stages, faced the best fighters in the world, and continues to push the sport forward. We’re proud to welcome Mikaela to MVP and look forward to building the next chapter of her career together.”

MVP is the global home of women’s boxing, elevating female fighters with the same platform and push as men’s boxing. With the gold “W” embedded directly within the MVP logo, MVPW signals that women’s boxing is a foundational pillar of the company’s long-term global strategy. Each event will be sequentially branded beginning with MVPW-01, establishing a clear, year-round schedule showcasing the sport’s most elite female fighters. The MVPW platform debuts with MVPW-01 on Sunday, April 5, in London, where Sky Sports will broadcast the event live in the United Kingdom and streaming live in the U.S. on the ESPN App as the first event under the new agreement. The platform makes its U.S. linear premiere on Friday, April 17 with MVPW-02, headlined by MVP’s unified super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (17-1, 7 KOs) vs. top contender Bo Mi Re Shin (19-3-3, 10 KOs) at Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. MVPW-03 will take place Saturday, May 30, in El Paso, Texas, headlined by MVP’s WBA lightweight world champion Stephanie Han (12-0, 3 KOs) vs. the most decorated two-sport athlete in combat sports history, Holly Holm (34-3-3, 9 KOs). The deal will deliver a mix of linear and streaming distribution, with the majority of events airing on ESPN’s linear channels, a significant milestone for women’s boxing and female sports. Mayer is anticipated to make her MVPW debut in the coming months.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @MikaelaMayer1 or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @mikaelamayer.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) 

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was founded in August 2021 by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian with a fighter first ethos. Since inception, MVP has produced 30 live boxing events and currently promotes nearly 60 fighters, 18 world champions, and 26 top contenders.

MVP has led boxing’s evolution in the streaming era through partnerships with the world’s leading platforms. In November 2024, MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 was the first-ever live professional sports event streamed on Netflix. Paul vs. Tyson shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event of all time with 125 million live viewers worldwide. MVP went on to partner with Netflix twice in 2025 for MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day.

Today, MVP is the global home of women’s boxing. MVP’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in 2022 was the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden, while Taylor vs. Serrano 2 in 2024 saw 74 million viewers globally on Netflix and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. Their 2025 trilogy on Netflix topped an all-women’s megacard that set the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 17 world titles, earning nearly 6 million viewers globally. 

Material Courtesy of: Most Valuable Promotions/ Photo Courtesy of: Harry Aaron/Most Valuable Promotions Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.