Preview: PFL 9 ‘Collard vs. Burgos’

Lightweights

Olivier Aubin-Mercier (19-5, 8-0 PFL) vs. Bruno Miranda (16-3, 2-0 PFL)

While Aubin-Mercier has stated during various media events that he lacks motivation during his bid to repeat at PFL lightweight champion, the results inside the cage say otherwise. “The Canadian Gangster” once again showed off his improved striking in his last outing against Anthony Romero, as he cut off the cage nicely while landing check right hooks and straight left hands before finishing the fight with a perfectly timed knee to the head. Prior to that victory, Aubin-Mercier even outstruck prized free-agent signee Shane Burgos for a round before reverting to clinch work and positional control over the final 10 minutes of a decision win. There is a reason Aubin-Mercier is undefeated since leaving the UFC: His striking, which includes a competent jab, an arsenal of kicks and enough power to give opponents pause, is backed by his foundation of clinch work, takedowns and control. The Tristar Gym export will not overwhelm anyone with striking volume, but he is as well-rounded as he has been at any point in his career.

Aubin-Mercier will face a new challenge in Miranda, a Nova Uniao product with heavy hands, solid takedown defense and powerful leg kicks. In his last outing, Miranda landed his left hook repeatedly against Alex Martinez, dropping his foe in the opening stanza. His leg kicks were also a primary weapon in that bout, and he was active from his back when Martinez was able to get him to the canvas. Miranda has won his last seven professional appearances, but this will be his most difficult test to date by a considerable margin.

Aubin-Mercier is durable but also fights intelligently on the feet, while Miranda can get wild with his strikes on occasion. That could potentially create openings for Aubin-Mercier to initiate the clinch or take his opponent’s back, where he is adept at racking up control time. The defending 155-pound champ has not won a fight via submission in quite some time, but his grappling can be stifling nonetheless. Aubin-Mercier is also capable of hurting Miranda with a counter, though he will need to be wary of his opponent’s leg kicks. While strange things can happen in a PFL season, Aubin-Mercier has more than enough tools at his disposal to hold off another postseason newcomer. The Canadian wins a decision.

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Collard vs. Burgos
Aubin-Mercier vs. Miranda
Sy vs. Miranda
Magomedkerimov vs. Renfro
Walsh vs. Davis
The Prelims