Olivier “The Canadian Gangster” Aubin-Mercier hasn’t lost his mind after receiving his US$1 million purse associated with his victory in November’s Professional Fighters League (PFL) lightweight championship bout.
Unlike other mixed martial arts circuits, the PFL consists of a regular season and playoffs, culminating in championship bouts with million dollar purses attached.
On November 25, Aubin-Mercier knocked out K.-O. Scotland’s Stevie “Braveheart” Ray with a single punch in the second round of their championship fight at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, capturing the belt in his category and the generous scholarship.
The 34-year-old Montrealer traveled after his victory, visiting France and Mexico in particular, and he spent time with his loved ones during the holiday season. “I didn’t spoil myself that much,” he said. I bought small things. I bought a bidet. The Cadillac of bidets, including a heated seat, he insisted.
Fine gourmet, he also took advantage of the leave to drink and eat well. The 155-pound (70 kg) champion swung the scale up to 190 pounds (86 kg). “I know I overdid it a bit this time around. I’ve never been bigger,” he agreed with a laugh.
Aubin-Mercier (17-5-0) will be back in the arena on Friday against American “Hurricane” Shane Burgos, who will begin his PFL journey at the gala at the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas .
Like Aubin-Mercier, Burgos (15-3-0) was once part of the UFC. The 32-year-old American defeated Quebec’s Charles “Air” Jourdain in his last bout in July, completing his UFC stint with an 8-3-0 record. In order to face Aubin-Mercier, Burgos moved up from featherweight (145 pounds) to lightweight (155).
“It’s going to be a fun fight, and it’s always fun to be in the headliner,” said the Montrealer, who will be taking part in the main event of a card for the first time in his career.
Aubin-Mercier considered extending his hiatus from mixed martial arts after winning the title, but returned to the gym two months ago with the goal of getting back into the arena very soon. “At the start, I was not tempted, but I decided to do it and today I am very happy. I savor every moment,” he said.
The main interested party does not know for how long he will continue his combat activities, beyond 2023. After all, mixed martial arts are not easy. “Last year was very difficult. I love it, and I want to continue. But I’m starting to get tired, he admitted. I will continue this year, that’s for sure. I am going to have fun. We will then see where life will take us. »