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The PFL kicked off its third event of the season in spectacular fashion as Olivier Aubin-Mercier spoiled Shane Burgos' debut with a unanimous decision victory at The Theater at Virgin Hotels. The exciting lightweight bout was the co-main event of the evening and had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Aubin-Mercier came into the fight as a seasoned veteran, having fought in some of the biggest MMA promotions around the world. Meanwhile, Burgos was making his PFL debut and was looking to make a statement in his first fight with the promotion.
The first round of the lightweight bout between Olivier Aubin-Mercier and Shane Burgos was closely contested, with both fighters exchanging leg kicks and punches without either of them getting stunned. However, Aubin-Mercier appeared to be slightly ahead, landing a clean uppercut that knocked out Burgos' mouthpiece and having a more accurate jab.
In the second round, Aubin-Mercier attempted a takedown and succeeded in pressing Burgos against the cage. Although Burgos managed to stand up, Aubin-Mercier took his back and controlled him against the cage for the rest of the round. The third round saw Aubin-Mercier once again going for a takedown and keeping Burgos on the ground for most of the round, despite Burgos' efforts to get back up.
Aubin-Mercier's victory over Burgos keeps his unbeaten streak since his release from the UFC in 2019 alive, and he has now won seven consecutive fights, including the 2022 PFL lightweight season and the opening bout of the 2023 season. The win puts Aubin-Mercier in a good position in the PFL's lightweight division, and he will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.
For Burgos, the loss is a setback, but he should take solace in the fact that he put up a good fight against a seasoned veteran. He will have the opportunity to bounce back in his next fight and show the world what he's truly capable of.
Burgos' two-fight undefeated run was also ended by a setback; in his preceding contests, he had defeated Charles Jourdain and Billy Quarantillo by unanimous decision. Burgos became part of the PFL in the latter half of 2022 after concluding his UFC deal.