PFL 9: 2023 Playoffs Media Day: NYC
Sometimes pro athletes hang on too long, some leave too early regrettably. And others hang it up at just the right time. Either this Wednesday or on Thanksgiving, the end of the road will have been reached by Olivier-AubinMercier. Or so he told the press at Media Day. Saying it so dead panned it took a second to think are we seeing the greatest acting performance since ORSON WELLES in CITIZEN KANE. There was no tears, or biting of a lip. There was simply “this is it”.
Here’s a clip of the media scrum:
He did tease though a Canadian card with lots and lots of money; he’d tape up the hands again. Aubin-Mercier made it clear though his decision is because he misses his girlfriend and daughter. And jokingly is tired of only seeing teammates and training. And it would be incredibly special and fitting to leave the sport at a two-time PFL Champion.
End Of The Road For The Member Of A Select Group
“The Canadian Gangster” will no doubt join a special group. And will stay there until the next big Canadian dislodges a member of this group. But it will take an amazing talent to do so. It is the Canadian MMA Mt. Rushmore. He sits behind only Georges St Pierre and Rory Macdonald. And is now in front of Patrick Cote and or possibly Sam Stout.
“Rush” and “The Red King” careers speak for themselves. Both Cote and Stout, never found glory in holdding titles. They were however, the grittiest of the gritty. And always made their opponents leave the cage knowing they were in a war. After exploding onto the scene in the UFC, he became an instant fan-favorite. And at the end he hit a slide dropping three-in a row. But Mercier has yet to taste defeat in the PFL. And the only one’s that can end that streak now are: Bruno Miranda, Clay Collard, or Shane Burgos.
Aubin-Mercier admitted that this camp was tough, and would rather face Collard in the finals being he is “a newer opponent”. With the come forward throw-down style of “Cassius Clay” it might just be a tad easier one to prepare for for a final career fight. There’s no fear of a kicking game or being brought down to the mat. And Mercier has been locked in recently mixing up his attack, especially going to the body. Then again, anyone can get clipped, and slept.
So, as they say in Quebec Mr. Mercier: au revoir.
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