Olivier Aubin-Mercier started the 2023 PFL season with an impressive win over promotional newcomer Shane Burgos.
‘The Canadian Gangaster’ had a tough test in his first PFL appearance since winning the 2022 season. The reigning lightweight champion was matched up against Burgos, who previously left the UFC and signed with the PFL. Unfortunately for ‘Hurricane,’ things didn’t go as planned for his promotional debut at PFL 3: 2023.
Burgos couldn’t seem to get going throughout the fight. ‘Hurricane’ wasn’t dominated, but OAM won most of the exchanges and made a statement with multiple takedowns and several successful back-control attempts in the bout.
In the third round, ‘Hurricane’ found success in the final minute, but Aubin-Mercier was too far ahead on the scorecards. After fifteen minutes of action, ‘The Canadian Gangster had his hand raised with a scorecard of 30-27 x3.
Before losing against OAM, Burgos was on a two-fight win streak, with wins against Billy Quarantillo and Charles Jourdain in the UFC. Luckily for him, the 2023 PFL is just getting started, giving him an opportunity to bounce back and make the playoffs.
Watch Olivier Aubin-Mercier get his hand raised against Shane Burgos below:
The "Canadian Gangster" spoils Shane Burgos PFL debut and earns 3 Points in the Lightweight Standings!#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
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🌎 https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/WpIEv2vNfG— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 15, 2023
Olivier Aubin-Mercier extends his win streak to seven
Olivier Aubin-Mercier fought in the UFC twelve times, with his tenure ending after three consecutive losses against Alexander Hernandez, Gilbert Burns, and Arman Tsarukyan. After nearly two years of inactivity, ‘The Canadian Gangster made his PFL debut in June 2021, defeating Marcin Held by unanimous decision.
Aubin-Mercier won a second fight in 2021, creating momentum for his championship run in the following year. ‘The Canadian Gangster’ won his first three PFL bouts of the 2022 season against Natan Schulte, Raush Manfio, and Alex Martinez. OAM managed to cash in on his post-UFC success by defeating Stevie Ray for the $1 million prize.
Aubin-Mercier is off to a phenomenal start for his third year in the PFL. The 34-year-old is currently tied for first place with three points alongside Clay Collard, Bruno Miranda, Raush Manfio, and Natan Schulte.
Watch highlights of Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs. Shane Burgos below:
"Hurricane" Shane Burgos ends the 3rd round swinging!#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
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🌎 https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/26uM30DbZo— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 15, 2023
Olivier Aubin-Mercier looks to be running away with the 3rd round!#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
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🌎 https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/q9QTaTFTlw— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 15, 2023
Live odds have shifted heavily for @oliaubin to -690 favorite to win. #PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
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🌎 https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/ys7SbEZJaU— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 15, 2023
The Canadian Backpack is heavy!#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
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🌎 https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/Rwu8Rt0IS4— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 15, 2023
Tough 1st round to score between Aubin-Mercier & Burgos.#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
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🌎 https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/gkw1I9rNe3— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 15, 2023
UP NOW! #PFLRegularSeason pic.twitter.com/LsdzjQ3cVv
— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 15, 2023
