‘Canadian Gangster’ Signs With The PFL

Starting his MMA career in 2011, all Olivier Aubin-Mercier wanted to do was compete. Now, “The Canadian Gangster” will get the opportunity to potentially do so multiple times, as he has signed with the Professional Fighters League.

Olivier Aubin-Mercier (11-5) broke the news to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani about the signing. The 31-year-old became a free agent after his last fight with the UFC, a unanimous decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 240 in July. Losing in The Ultimate Fighter Nations Welterweight Tournament to Chad Laprise in 2014, Aubin-Mercier ended up winning seven fights with the UFC. He ends his run there on a three-fight losing streak.

“I liked it so much (the PFL format) that during those two years, I was trying to first win my last three fights in the UFC to finish my contract, but then get in PFL after that,” Aubin-Mercier stated to ESPN. “So I’m happy they still took me [despite losing his last UFC fight]. I’m really happy to be with them, and it’s gonna be a hell of a ride for the next year.”

Aubin-Mercier will be competing it the promotions lightweight division. Natan Schulte is the PFL’s 2019 Lightweight Champion, beating Loik Radzhabov in the finals on New Year’s Eve. The PFL’s third season is expected to start sometime in May.