Laprise vs. Aubin-Mercier: Point-Counterpoint

With less than two days to go before Chad Laprise steps into the Octagon against Olivier Aubin-Mercier, for the chance to fulfill his long-time dream of becoming an ultimate fighter the preparation is in the final stages. The nuisance of media day behind him, Laprise is probably putting the finishing touches on his weight cut from 190 -pounds down to the fighting weight of 170-pounds. Laprise has been fighting at 155-pounds in recent times, so this weight cut is a walk in the park for the Adrenaline Training Center athlete.

This fight is a very interesting match-up, with points on both sides to sway one into picking either fighter for a victory on Wednesday night. This fight is being billed as a classic power puncher against master grappler, but it is also a match-up between a man who believes he is destined to be in the UFC and a man who is pegged as “the next GSP.”

I’m friends with the monster inside of my head, and here is my point-counterpoint regarding who I think has the edge when they hit the cage at the Pepsi Coliseum.

• Laprise is an undefeated 7-0 in his career and has more experience against tougher competition. Aubin-Mercier is undefeated as well, at 4-0. Experience against tough fighters and facing adversity is on Chad’s side, however Olivier is so young that his naivety could work to his advantage in terms of staying in the moment and letting it all loose.
• Chad has vicious knockouts, decisions and submission wins on his resume and I believe he has more ways that he can win this fight. Olivier is not as well rounded, but he is virtually unstoppable at his grappling game and that may be all he needs to get a decision win.
• After seeing the two fighters together today, it is apparent that Chad does have a slight size and weight advantage over Olivier. However, it is only a slight edge and this diminutive writer always says it is not the size of the dog in the fight it is the size of the fight in the dog.
• Aubin-Mercier is fighting in his home province and is sure to have most of the fans on his side when the cage door closes. That may provide the slightest edge in energy and will for him, but Laprise will have the support of twenty to thirty of his closest family and friends from Chatham-Kent and London in the building, and I’m sure he will feel it throughout.

In speaking with many of the fighters in attendance at the media day, no one was willing to make a call on this fight, with all taking the high road and pretty much staying directly in the middle and explaining both sides. The most significant point that all kept pointing to is Chad’s ability to sprawl effectively. Most feel that if Chad’s sprawl and back-defence are on point that he will be able to sprawl and brawl, frustrate Olivier and come out on top.

Watch your back Chad!