Ex-Professional
Fighters League CEO Peter Murray is no longer part of the
organization.
Per a release on Thursday, the promotion announced that Murray, one
of the founding CEOs when World Series of Fighting rebranded to PFL, has
left the company. Murray initially joined in 2018 as a former
executive of William Morris Endeavor, where he oversaw a litany of
changes to the fight league including establishing a tournament
system. He also oversaw the absorption of Bellator MMA after its purchase, which resulted in
many Bellator staffers being brought over to help run PFL.
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In July 2025, the PFL restructured its top leadership roles,
shifting then-head Murray to its international branch. Replacing
him was John Martin, who previously served as Chief Financial
Officer for Time Warner as well as the chairman of Turner. Murray
was placed in charge of developing the other leagues under the PFL
umbrella, including PFL Europe, PFL MENA, PFL Africa and the
potential PFL Australia spinoff. The release did not state that
Murray was leaving effective immediately, but rather that he was
“departing the organization.”
Rumors of PFL’s Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated
The announcement post from PFL read as follows: ”The Professional Fighters League today announced that Peter
Murray, CEO of PFL international leagues, will be departing the
organization. As founding CEO of PFL, Peter played an integral role
over the last eight years in the league’s growth and evolution,
helping to strength 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.”
The release concluded by writing, “Peter’s impact will remain part
of the sport and PFL’s foundation as the organization continues to
build toward the future.”
PFL Chairman Donn Davis also included a brief statement regarding
Murray.
“PFL would not be here today without Pete Murray’s relentless
entrepreneurship and selfless leadership,” Davis wrote. “He has
been my trusted and valued partner building the company and I look
forward to his continued support.”
Following the PFL release, Uncrowned reported that in addition to Murray’s
departure, other members of the team were also leaving. “…I’m told
that the company very recently laid off several long-time
employees,” Ariel Helwani stated.
Official Statement pic.twitter.com/supHXgZDM7
— PFL (@PFLMMA)
January 8, 2026