{"id":2605,"date":"2023-11-25T21:38:12","date_gmt":"2023-11-25T20:38:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mmamag.ma\/en\/?p=2605"},"modified":"2023-11-26T07:04:51","modified_gmt":"2023-11-26T06:04:51","slug":"olivier-aubin-mercier-is-crowned-championback-to-back-pfl-world-championship-glory-in-washington-dc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mmamag.ma\/en\/olivier-aubin-mercier-is-crowned-championback-to-back-pfl-world-championship-glory-in-washington-dc\/","title":{"rendered":"Olivier Aubin-Mercier is crowned championback-to-back PFL World Championship glory in Washington DC"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Olivier Aubin-Mercier captured back-to-back PFL lightweight championships as he claimed the 2023 title with a hard-earned unanimous decision victory over Clay Collard at the 2023 PFL World Championship in Washington DC.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_55353\"  width=\"696\" height=\"391\"  data-origwidth=\"696\" data-origheight=\"391\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Q6mGVGgE1CY?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;modestbranding=0&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The event, which took place at The Anthem in the US capital, saw six million-dollar champions crowned on a packed night of fights, with Aubin-Mercier\u2019s victory capping off a big night for the promotion, which has huge plans for expansion in 2024 following the recent acquisition of Bellator MMA.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_74846\"  width=\"696\" height=\"391\"  data-origwidth=\"696\" data-origheight=\"391\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EHjXKRWRHEo?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;modestbranding=0&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Olivier Aubin-Mercier has been unstoppable since making his PFL debut in 2021. OAM emphatically knocked out Stevie Ray in last year\u2019s World Championships card to claim PFL gold \u2014 Aubin-Mercier\u2019s first piece of gold in a major MMA organization. On a mission to join a very small group of PFL fighters who have won PFL gold in back-to-back years, Aubin-Mercier defeated Shane Burgos and Anthony Romero in the regular season before advancing to tonight\u2019s title fight with a second-round TKO of Bruno Miranda. Aubin-Mercier has been honest this week about thinking of retirement; if tonight marks his last fight, can he go out on top with another PFL World Title?<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">A dangerous and hard-hitting boxer, Clay Collard has always made his fights competitive and entertaining. After reaching the semifinals in 2021 and missing the playoffs in 2022, Collard finally makes it to his first world title fight. This season saw Collard defeat Yamato Nishikawa and Ray before a win over Shane Burgos in the semifinals.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Can OAM earn PFL gold for the second time? Or can Collard finally earn the PFL world title he\u2019s been longing for?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Round 1<\/strong> &#8211; Aubin-Mercier looks to come forward, but Collard comes out right away with low kicks. Small combination by Collard as he attacks the lead leg. Aubin-Mercier tries to start a couple of combinations but Collard hits the front leg with a low kick each time. Left hand by OAM. And another. Collard lands a sharp right but misses a calf kick. OAM lands a kick to the body and scores a takedown. OAM gets to Collard\u2019s back 90 seconds into the round but Collard is able to bring the fight back to the feet. OAM drives Collard to his head as Collard tries to roll through. OAM with a knee as he brings the fight back down. Aubin-Mercier gets to Collard\u2019s back again and locks a triangle body lock, looking to secure a rear-naked choke.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Olivier Aubin-Mercier showcasing his grappling pedigree&#8230; He ends round 1 in dominant positioin<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/PFLWorldChampionship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#PFLWorldChampionship<\/a> LIVE NOW<br \/>\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 ESPN+ PPV<br \/>\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/9tors69QSM\">https:\/\/t.co\/9tors69QSM<\/a><br \/>\ud83c\udf0e <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/jPNvomCxHI\">https:\/\/t.co\/jPNvomCxHI<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/JEDQ9J8Lro\">pic.twitter.com\/JEDQ9J8Lro<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; PFL (@PFLMMA) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PFLMMA\/status\/1728281104140890379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">November 25, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p><strong>Round 2- <\/strong>Collard looks to resume the calf kick attacks. OAM pressing forward. High kick from Aubin-Mercier. Right hand by Aubin-Mercier. Front kick from OAM. Collard works the body, followed by a low kick. OAM tries to lock up Collard\u2019s body, but it appears OAM couldn\u2019t get it after stepping wrong \u2014 or if his right leg was damaged too much already from Collard\u2019s leg kicks. Aubin-Mercier gets Collard\u2019s back to the fence. Collard trying to work the body on the inside. OAM shoots in and scores another takedown.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">High Kick from OAM in opening seconds of the 2nd round!<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/PFLWorldChampionship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#PFLWorldChampionship<\/a> LIVE NOW<br \/>\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 ESPN+ PPV<br \/>\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/9tors69QSM\">https:\/\/t.co\/9tors69QSM<\/a><br \/>\ud83c\udf0e <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/jPNvomCxHI\">https:\/\/t.co\/jPNvomCxHI<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/fpvagk969O\">pic.twitter.com\/fpvagk969O<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; PFL (@PFLMMA) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PFLMMA\/status\/1728281627560726639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">November 25, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Round 3 &#8211; <\/strong>Collard tries to work OAM\u2019s body and get Aubin-Mercier\u2019s back to the fence. OAM tries to shoot in but Collard keeps a hold of his neck. OAM shoots again for a body lock and he\u2019s able to score another takedown in the round\u2019s opening minute. OAM quickly gets himself into the mount and postures up. Collard looked to escape from half-guard and was able to do so. That said, OAM was relentless in pressure and brought him back down quickly.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Clay Collard coming back in the 3rd round. Championship rounds up now<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/PFLWorldChampionship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#PFLWorldChampionship<\/a> LIVE NOW<br \/>\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 ESPN+ PPV<br \/>\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/9tors69QSM\">https:\/\/t.co\/9tors69QSM<\/a><br \/>\ud83c\udf0e <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/jPNvomCxHI\">https:\/\/t.co\/jPNvomCxHI<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/G3qugmWdT5\">pic.twitter.com\/G3qugmWdT5<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; PFL (@PFLMMA) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PFLMMA\/status\/1728284421969633601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">November 25, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Round 5 &#8211; <\/strong>Collard cracks OAM with a right hand to start the round! Aubin-Mercier, however, secures a takedown quickly and gets right back to Collard\u2019s back. That was all in the first 15 seconds! OAM has a body triangle in but is riding high on Collard. Aubin-Mercier has Collard locked up. Fans get restless over a lack of action. OAM, while riding high in a backpack position, landing to the head of Collard. Aubin-Mercier lands some shots but can\u2019t get much progress toward breaking Collard\u2019s defenses. Aubin-Mercier brings Collard back in a flat position.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Under the chin!<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/PFLWorldChampionship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#PFLWorldChampionship<\/a> LIVE NOW<br \/>\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 ESPN+ PPV<br \/>\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/9tors69QSM\">https:\/\/t.co\/9tors69QSM<\/a><br \/>\ud83c\udf0e <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/jPNvomCxHI\">https:\/\/t.co\/jPNvomCxHI<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/dFXPaDBCte\">pic.twitter.com\/dFXPaDBCte<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; PFL (@PFLMMA) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PFLMMA\/status\/1728286750445822124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">November 25, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It meant the bout went into the final round with the fight hanging in the balance, and the commentary team suggesting the fight could be level at two rounds apiece. Collard opened up with a big punch that connected clean, but Aubin-Mercier took the shot well and scored a takedown. With the action back on the mat, OAM took Collard\u2019s back and locked up a rear-naked choke, but Collard stayed calm and eventually worked his way free of the hold.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">OAM stayed on Collard\u2019s back and maintained position while looking to re-apply the choke. But while Collard did well to fend off the choke attempt, he was unable to escape Aubin-Mercier\u2019s clutches as the fight went all the way to the judges\u2019 scorecards. All three judges scored the bout 49-46 to Aubin-Mercier, who gave an emotional post-fight speech as he hailed the PFL as \u201cthe future\u201d and thanking them for being the \u201conly ones\u201d who believed in him. He was then asked about his fighting future, and he revealed that he would take a break from the sport to spend some time with his family. He had previously said that this season would be his last in the PFL\u2019s season format, but with the inception of the PFL\u2019s pay-per-view Super Fights events, plus the addition of one-off Bellator shows, the door might still be open for Aubin-Mercier to return. But, for now, \u201cThe Canadian Gangster\u201d rides off into the sunset as a back-to-back champion.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Olivier Aubin-Mercier captured back-to-back PFL lightweight championships as he claimed the 2023 title with a hard-earned unanimous decision victory over Clay Collard at the 2023 PFL World Championship in Washington DC. The event, which took place at The Anthem in the US capital, saw six million-dollar champions crowned on a packed night of fights, with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2609,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,25],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2605","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-billator","8":"category-pfl-mma"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmamag.ma\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2605"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmamag.ma\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmamag.ma\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmamag.ma\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmamag.ma\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2605"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mmamag.ma\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2605\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2610,"href":"https:\/\/mmamag.ma\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2605\/revisions\/2610"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmamag.ma\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2609"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmamag.ma\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2605"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmamag.ma\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2605"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmamag.ma\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2605"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}