LAS VEGAS – Olivier Aubin-Mercier feels the start to the 2023 PFL season has proved that PFL has talent.
In the first three events of the year, 2022 champions Rob Wilkinson, Brendan Loughnane and Aubin-Mercier (18-5) himself all defeated the recent signings that came over from the UFC. Wilkinson and Loughnane beat former UFC title challengers Thiago Santos and Marlon Moraes respectfully, and on Friday evening, Aubin-Mercier outpointed Shane Burgos at 2023 PFL 3.
The event took place at The Theater at Virgin Hotels. The main card aired on ESPN following prelims on ESPN+.
Aubin-Mercier defeated Burgos (15-4) in a unanimous decision, winning 30-27 across all judges’ scorecards.
“I want to apologize for Loughnane, Razor and myself for beating all the big signings,” Aubin-Mercier told reporters at the 2023 PFL 3 post-fight press conference with a smirk. “Sorry, PFL. I know you paid a lot of money for those three guys, and we killed them. I’m sorry.”
Aubin-Mercier feels this proves that PFL has talent and that former UFC fighters need to realize there’s quality within other promotions.
“Hell yeah, it feels better,” Aubin-Mercier said. “We did our job. All the champs won and beat the big signings. It’s great for us, and it proves that we’re still here. We’re motivated, and I do think Shane was the most dangerous of the three. He’s still young, he still has that free in him, and he’s a fan favorite. Unfortunately, I canceled his game plan, but I’m really proud of this win. This is probably the biggest win of my career if you think about it.”
As far as on a personal note, Aubin-Mercier thinks this is likely the biggest win of his career.
“For sure, it’s a top three,” Aubin-Mercier said. “I had a good win against Drew Dober and people like this, but I do think that Shane is the most well known of them all.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL 2023, Week 3.
