Olivier Aubin-Mercier hints at retirement from fighting after 2023 PFL Playoffs
As the 2023 PFL Playoffs continue on August 23 with the lightweights and welterweights taking center stage, time may be coming to an end for the reigning lightweight champion. Looking to become a two-time lightweight champion, Olivier Aubin-Mercier knows that this will be the last run for him in the PFL tournament, but there are questions beyond that for his fighting future.
Speaking to MyMMANews.com, “The Canadian Gangster” who takes on Bruno Miranda in the semi-finals discussed the possibility that his career could be over following the conclusion of his run in the 2023 PFL Playoffs. Although he has not made a 100% final decision Olivier Aubin-Mercier says he’s at peace with his decision, if he does decide to walk away after he has a conversation with the PFL.
CLIP: Olivier-Aubin Mercier tells me he hasn’t fully made a decision yet, but he won’t be fighting in 2024 and the 2023 #PFLPlayoffs could be the end of his fighting career.
Full episode of @OnTheMic_Pod 252: https://t.co/NfN57hWM1z pic.twitter.com/FWbJY4IJAW
— Mike Pendleton (@MP2310) August 22, 2023
“I didn’t really think my decision yet but it seems that I’m gonna be done with the tournament. I’m getting older and tired, but anyways, next year for sure I’m not fighting, that’s for sure. And it should be my last year to be honest, but let’s see. Let’s see when I’m gonna talk to PFL. I’m in peace with this decision. At the end of this year could be the end.”
While not fully committed one way or another, it is clear that if he does decide to walk away, Olivier Aubin-Mercier is comfortable with any decision he makes towards his fighting future.
Inside the cage, “OAM” is undefeated since joining the PFL, having stacked up eight consecutive wins since joining the promotion in 2021. Last year he defeated Stevie Ray in the 2022 PFL Championship to win the lightweight title. Before joining the PFL, Aubin-Mercier spent 5 years with the UFC dating from 2014 to 2019, where he compiled a record of 7-5 during his tenure.
Overall, Aubin-Mercier, one of the most popular fighters to come out of Canada, will enter the 2023 PFL Playoffs with a 19-5 professional record, as he looks to win gold once again, and potentially put a bow on his fighting career.
