The MMA fighter Olivier Aubin-Mercier recently won his second PFL title and $1 million but expressed his lack of motivation and emotional detachment from the sport, indicating that he may be retiring from MMA.
It really looks like Olivier Aubin-Mercier is calling it quits on MMA. This past Friday at the 2023 PFL Championships, he won his second straight lightweight title and the $1 million check that comes with it. After the win, he said he’s taking a break from MMA, and in a recent interview, he hinted that the break might be indefinite.
“The last few days were pretty emotional … I didn’t feel anything about the sport. But I was really emotional about seeing my family and seeing the people I love, and I think that’s a good sign that it may be the end,” Aubin-Mercier said. He continued, “I know you don’t believe me, but I really do think that if I don’t start the fire again inside me, it won’t happen. I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to fight again if I don’t have this fire.”
Aubin-Mercier admitted that there was no motivation for him this past year, even though he was successful in the PFL. Despite being on a 10-fight winning streak and looking better than ever, he’s pretty adamant that his retirement is for real this time.
“I feel like I want to be on vacation for a long time and maybe have other projects,” Aubin-Mercier said. “I do feel this is the end.”
Aubin-Mercier mentioned one scenario that could potentially bring him back to the PFL, but if that doesn’t happen, he’s content with what he’s achieved in the past three years.
“I’m really proud of that.”