There is provided a mechanical connector for mechanically connecting and optically coupling two optical fiber ends, the connector comprising a longitudinal body, and a fiber conduit in the body for holding the two fiber ends and confining the fibers to be in end to end alignment in the conduit with sufficient inward radial pressure exerted from the conduit on each one of the fiber ends to ensure centering within the fiber conduit to provide the optical coupling without risking damage to a silica core of the fiber ends. The connector is adapted to controllably release the pressure on the fibers to allow for insertion of the fibers in the conduit, and the connector holds the fiber ends in the optical coupling without adhesive. There is further provided a method for mechanically connecting and optically coupling two optical fiber ends.