WASHINGTON, D.C. | Olivier Aubin-Mercier was successful. On Friday evening he successfully defended his Professional Fighters League (PFL) lightweight world title.
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In a fight that lasted nearly five rounds, he defeated American Clay Collard by a unanimous decision from the judges, dominating at least three of the five rounds. In doing so, he secured another scholarship of one million dollars after winning last year.
After launching his “Québec is back tabarnak” after his win last year, he did it again with a very soulful “Back to back tabarnak” at the start of his interview in the ring, which roused the many Quebecers in attendance.
Thanks to this victory, Aubin-Mercier maintains an unblemished record of ten wins in as many fights over the last three PFL seasons.
On Friday night he fought the fight he had to fight, confident in his technical qualities, against an opponent who wanted to drag him into an alley fight.
Courtesy of PFL
The end
For several months, the Montreal fighter had indicated that he no longer had the same motivation and intended to retire at the end of the season.
He confirmed that he wants to hang up his gloves and get some rest.
“I’m tired, it’s hard for me to say this, but I think it’s over,” he said, his voice shaking.
He then wiped away tears while talking about his family, with whom he plans to spend a lot of time in the coming months.
Unsatisfied
Aubin-Mercier was demanding and, despite the victory, was not entirely satisfied with his fight.
“It’s not the best way to end a career, but it’s not the worst either. I would have preferred to finish Clay, I almost did it in the fifth round, but that son of a bitch is tough.”
He even claims that Collard gave him a good scare with his endurance.
“I was a little scared because I hit his back in the first two rounds and my legs were dead and I told myself I have three more rounds to go.” I had to be a little more technical and I’m very proud of that, too if I would rather have done it.
“I had to manage the laps. I took a little break in the fourth round and came back strong in the fifth round. I wasn’t sure if I would win the third, so I wanted to take it easy and kill time to finish strong, and it worked.”
Technical combat
Aubin-Mercier began the fight with confidence, quickly taking Collard to the ground where he was able to demonstrate his technical qualities. He even came close to being strangled.
Collard tried to hit Aubin-Mercier in the second bout because he is a heavy hitter, but the Quebecer was able to get to the ground again to continue his attrition against his sometimes defenseless opponent in a difficult position.
Collard showed more bite in the third round and managed to land more punches. However, Aubin-Mercier made two good throws on the ground without being able to take advantage of them.
After two first punches dominated by Aubin-Mercier and a third split victory, Clay Collard gained momentum in the fourth round, landing good punches and physically controlling his rival.
Aubin-Mercier ended the fight as he started it, throwing Collard to the ground and coming very close to a chokehold. We are still wondering how the American managed to get rid of the grip that the Quebecer had on his neck.
Courtesy of PFL
the atmosphere
Although there were six world championship fights, all with prize money of a million dollars, we can’t say we had an exciting evening in Washington.
We had to wait until the penultimate fight until Brazilian Renan Ferreira defeated Russian Denis Goltsov by knockout. Technically, the referee had to intervene because Golstov could no longer defend himself after being knocked to the ground by a powerful blow from Ferreira and suffering a series of blows.
At least during the main event between Aubin-Mercier and Collard there was a little action in an otherwise quiet crowd.
While the Quebecers waved floral flags with Olivier Aubin-Mercier’s initials, the Americans responded, what a surprise, with “USA, USA, USA!” But that’s all.