A year ago, Olivier “Canadian Gangster” Aubin-Mercier won the PBA lightweight title and the $1 million prize pool that came with it.
On Friday, the 34-year-old Montrealer will attempt to repeat that feat – in what could be his last MMA fight.
Aubin Mercier will face American “Cassius” Clay Collard in one of the six ATP Finals to be held at Anthem Hall in Washington, DC.
Unlike other professional mixed martial arts circuits, the Professional Fighters League consists of a regular schedule and eliminations, which culminate in championship fights with a seven-figure prize pool.
Aubin Mercier has been sent off. to Stevie “Braveheart” Scottish Ray with one punch in the second round of their fight on November 25, 2022, taking both awards at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden.
This year, Aubin-Mercier and Collard have identical 3-0-0 records in the PFL.
Aubin Mercier (20-5-0) kicked off his season in April with a decisive win over former UFC fighter “Hurricane” Shane Burgos, before knocking out fellow Canadian Anthony “The Genius” Romero in the third round in June. Brazilian Bruno “Robusto” Miranda in the second round in August.
He said that winning the English Premier League title for the second time “would be the perfect conclusion to my career.”
Collard (24-10-0 with no decisions) won by decision over Burgos and Japan’s Yamato Nishikawa, meanwhile winning by referee stoppage in the second round against Ray. Against Burgos, Collard threw at least 430 punches, hitting the target nearly 200 times.
Aubin Mercier is fascinated by the challenge presented by Collard, who praised his “beautiful personality”.
“Interesting duel; I like this. I really like it,” he said. “I was hoping he would get to the final. He went through a lot to get there, and I’m very happy for him.”
Aubin Mercier considered extending his hiatus from mixed martial arts after winning the title in 2022, but he eventually returned to the gym.
He added that regardless of the outcome of Friday’s election, he intends to take a “long break.” How much time? We ignore that.
“I don’t think you’ll see me again next year,” he said. However, if the PBA wants to come to Montreal, offer me a big sum and add some of my friends to the card, then yes, I would love to have one last fight. Other than that, I have no interest in returning to the scene next year.
“I’m tired. I want to spend some time with my family. This is my plan,” he concluded.
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“In the sixth round, we were looking for a Quebecer, but he was selected.”