Olivier Aubin-Mercier could really position himself for his future with a win at PFL Championships later this month. That is when Aubin-Mercier takes on Clay Collard in the lightweight finals, with the winner earning $1 million. After that, well the former UFC fighter could be looking at retirement.
If Olivier Aubin-Mercier claims a second consecutive PFL title later this month, many would say he could be right on the heels of being at his best.
But could Aubin-Mercier also view that as the perfect time to walk away from the sport he has known for so many years?
Aubin-Mercier meets Clay Collard at PFL Championships on November 24 from The Anthem in Washington, D.C. The event streams live on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie Radio, Olivier Aubin-Mercier discussed his future and why now might be the best time to leave mixed martial arts.
Olivier Aubin-Mercier: ‘I Need Some Vacation’
The 34-year-old Aubin-Mercier has not lost since 2019 when he fought for the final time in the UFC. Since that bout, he has reeled off nine wins, including a knockout of Stevie Ray to capture the PFL title last year.
This season, he has downed Bruno Miranda, Anthony Romero and Shane Burgos, pushing his overall mark to 20-5.
“(I think I’m tired of) fighting in general,” Aubin-Mercier said. “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 (a) 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.”
Aubin-Mercier did say he would like to compete in Montreal and plans to “see what PFL says” before ultimately deciding his future.
“I think that could be the only reason why I would maybe think to fight one more time,” he said of a potential bout in Montreal.
He first fought as a professional back in 2011, winning his first four bouts to earn a spot on The Ultimate Fighter Nations series. He lost in the finals to Chad Laprise, but still earned a contract with the UFC.
From there, Aubin-Mercier went 7-5 with bouts against the likes of Gilbert Burns, Evan Dunham and Alexander Hernandez.
Since joining the PFL, he has downed Raush Manfio, Natan Schulte and Marcin Held.
PFL Championships Fight Card
Along with Olivier Aubin-Mercier taking on Clay Collard, five other championship matches are scheduled for the card, with all five winners earning $1 million.
Renan Ferreira meets Denis Goltsov at heavyweight, Larissa Pacheco and Marina Mokhnatkina collide at women’s featherweight, Magomed Magomedkerimov and Sadibou Sy battle at welterweight, Josh Silveira and Impa Kasangany face off at light heavyweight and Jesus Pinedo takes on Gabriel Alves Braga at featherweight.
Kayla Harrison now fights Julia Budd in a featured bout with Derek Brunson making his promotional debut against Ray Cooper III. Biaggio Ali Walsh and Bubba Jenkins are also scheduled in separate fights.
