Preview: 2023 PFL Championships

The 2023 PFL Championships will provide viewers with an intriguing blend of the familiar and the unknown.

On one side of the card are the repeat hopefuls, competitors such as Olivier Aubin-Mercier, Larissa Pacheco, Sadibou Sy and Magomed Magomedkerimov—all of whom have tasted Professional Fighters League championship glory in the past. However, there will be plenty of fresh faces on the figurative podium by Black Friday’s end, with new champions to be crowned at heavyweight, light heavyweight and featherweight. To top it all off, PFL stalwarts Kayla Harrison and Ray Cooper III will be making their first league appearances of 2023, as will recently signed Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Derek Brunson. The 2023 PFL Championships take place at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. The main card airs on pay-per-view via ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT, while prelims stream on ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

Now to the preview for the 2023 PFL Championships:

PFL Lightweight Championship

Olivier Aubin-Mercier (20-5, 9-0 PFL) vs. Clay Collard (24-10, 6-2 PFL)

Aubin-Mercier, a winner of nine consecutive PFL fights, will attempt to become a two-time lightweight champion in the league. Though not as celebrated as some of some of the other UFC veterans to come to the PFL, “The Canadian Gangster” might be one of the organization’s most savvy signings. The Tristar Gym representative made his name through his grappling ability, which includes takedowns, clinch work and plenty of positional control, but Aubin-Mercier can attribute at least some of his recent success to his improved striking. The Quebec native has a competent jab, power in his left hand and a decent arsenal of kicks at his disposal. Additionally, his movement on the feet, including his ability to cut off the cage, has gotten much better since his UFC tenure.

Collard, meanwhile, is well-established as one of the most exciting fighters in the PFL. In his last outing, Collard outdueled Shane Burgos in a “Fight of the Year” candidate to punch his ticket to the lightweight final. Backed by a background in professional boxing, The Pit Elevated Fight Team member is renowned for his volume punching and ability to land combinations to the head and body. Collard is durable and willing to absorb punishment to force exchanges, but in recent bouts, he has been hindered by his inability to check leg kicks. Aubin-Mercier, who is one of the more cerebral fighters in the PFL, could look to take advantage of this weakness to limit his foe’s movement. Collard is more than just a puncher, as he mixes in kicks and takedowns and is a willing scrambler on the canvas. However, his best chance here lies in his ability to wear Aubin-Mercier down with punching volume. The Canadian likely has the more dangerous knockout power than Collard, along with his clear advantage in on the mat and in the clinch. Collard’s willingness to take chances in scrambles on the ground could come back to haunt him against an opponent as fundamentally sound as Aubin-Mercier.

Collard will make things interesting with his offensive-minded style, but Aubin-Mercier is not one to be baited into a brawl. Look for the Canadian to land some heavy offense of his own on the feet before imposing his will in the clinch and on the floor to win by decision or submission.

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Aubin-Mercier vs. Collard
Goltsov vs. Ferreira
Pacheco vs. Mokhnatkina
Sy vs. Magomedkerimov
Silveira vs. Kasanganay
Harrison vs. Ladd
Cooper vs. Brunson
The Prelims