WASHINGTON DC | Olivier Aubin-Mercier will face a big challenge in what could be the last fight of his career.
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The Montreal fighter will defend his Professional Fighters League (PFL) lightweight (155-pound) world title, which he won last year.
He faces Clay Collard, who recently said he couldn’t wait to punch a Canadian in the face. He also hinted at his opponent’s resignation, saying he wanted to give him “a reason to step down.”
So the tone was set as Aubin-Mercier did his little thing without getting into a war of words as the fight got closer.
Enviable record
The Montrealer has arguments with a professional record of 20-5-0 against Collard, who has a record of 24-10-0, in addition to a no-decision bout.
In the PFL octagon, Aubin-Mercier is perfect in three seasons with nine wins in as many fights. It’s a little less encouraging for Collard, who also has a record of six wins and two losses in three seasons.
Aubin-Mercier will certainly do everything he can to maintain a spotless record against an opponent who seems determined to ruin the end of his career.
The Quebecer will have to be careful as Collard has 11 KOs. on his balance sheet when he only has 4. It will be in his best interest to stay away from the Utah fighter’s fists.
Clay Collard is a strong puncher. Courtesy of PFL
Opposite styles
These statistics also clearly show the difference between the two fighters’ styles.
Aubin-Mercier is a judoka capable of striking powerfully, but he shines on the mat with his eight submissions. He also has longevity with his eight decision wins. He also suffered his five defeats by submission, so he never suffered a knockout.
For his part, Clay Collard is a wrestler turned mixed martial arts fighter while taking a detour into boxing, and it shows because he’s a puncher first and foremost.
As evidence of this, he only won three fights by submission, but went to the limit 16 times by three five-minute rounds, wins and losses combined.
So we have all the ingredients for an unforgettable fight between two opponents who will be there to put on a show.