Quebec’s Olivier Aubin-Mercier is preparing to defend his title against Clay Collard in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) lightweight final, but don’t count on him putting pressure on himself for the upcoming event, which will take place in Washington will be DC on November 24th.
The Montreal native remembers the fear being much greater in his win last year against Stevie Ray, whom he beat by knockout. However, he no longer sees things the same way for his next fight against Collard. As in 2022, the winner will be awarded $1 million in prize money.
“I have no pressure, and that’s the difference from last year,” explained the man, who is unbeaten in nine games, via video conference. With the money on the line, I knew it would change my life, but this time it’s just a bonus. I feel good this year.”
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When asked about his opponent’s aggressive style of play, Aubin-Mercier expressed excitement about the upcoming fight. He hoped to face Collard in the final. However, it won’t be easy because the latter is unbeaten since the start of the season (3-0).
“It will be fun. […] He has a strange playing style. […] “He has a good personality, I like him,” he said. Her family is crazy too, two fights ago she almost got into a fight with one of my friends. It will be interesting. I was hoping it would happen in the final.”
Almost finished?
“Can I go home now?”
This is how the 34-year-old athlete ended his press conference with the media, and it pretty much sums up his state of mind.
According to his own admission, Aubin-Mercier admitted that this could well be his last fight in the PFL as he wanted to spend more time with his family.
“I’m definitely going to take a big break. There are no questions about this. I don’t think you’ll see me next year,” he said.
However, he would like to do one last lap in front of his fans in Montreal.
“If the PFL wants to come to Montreal and give me money and a friend of mine is on the card, I will definitely fight one last time,” indicated the 1.70 meter tall man.
“If I like my new life, I won’t come back. I won’t put any pressure on myself. I have achieved what I have achieved and I am happy. This could be the end. I would love to fight in front of my fans, but if that doesn’t happen in the PFL, I’ll find a way to do it on my own.”