Olivier Aubin-Mercier could be making the walk for the final time at the 2023 PFL Championships.
Aubin-Mercier (20-5) will look to claim his second straight $1 million lightweight season win when he meets Clay Collard (24-10-1) on Nov. 24 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. The event streams live on ESPN+ PPV.
Aubin-Mercier almost didn’t take part in the 2023 season due to the hectic nature of the format. When asked if he’d rather just compete in superfights, “The Canadian Gangster” hinted he may be nearing the end.
“(I think I’m tired of) fighting in general,” Aubin-Mercier told MMA Junkie Radio. “I love PFL, I love the format of PFL, but to fight eight times in two years is a lot, and it’s really demanding. At least, I need some vacation. I’ve never been as good as right now, and maybe it’s one of the reasons why I feel a little bit bad going away, but I need at least year (off).
“I don’t know if in a year if the motivation is going to be there and if I’m going to be as good as right now. If I don’t feel I’m the best version of myself, I won’t bother coming back. So let’s wait a little bit and let’s see what PFL says. I would like to fight in Montreal, that’s for sure, and I think that could be the only reason why I would maybe think to fight one more time.”
While Aubin-Mercier didn’t 100 percent make up his mind on his fighting future, the odds are currently swaying more towards him hanging up his gloves.
“I think there’s more of a chance that I’m done after this fight than I’m not done,” Aubin-Mercier said.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2023 PFL Championships.
