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Patrice Evra Set to Debut in Mixed Martial Arts at PFL Europe Paris

Former professional footballer Patrice Evra, renowned for his tenure with Manchester United and the French national team, is slated to make his foray into mixed martial arts (MMA) at the PFL Europe event in Paris on Friday, 23 May.

At 43 years old, Evra has been honing his skills in martial arts since 2016, training alongside PFL standout Cedric Doumbe, who is also a personal friend.

As of now, the identity of Evra’s opponent for the match at the Accor Arena remains undisclosed. However, Evra has expressed a distinct preference for former footballer Luis Suarez, sharing on social media, “They will pick my opponent. They asked who I wanna face. I said Luis Suarez. I’ll pay out of pocket. He can even bite me.”

This remark references a past incident when Suarez, while at Liverpool in 2011, received an eight-match suspension for racially abusing Evra during their respective playing careers at that time. It has added a layer of intrigue to Evra’s upcoming MMA match, especially considering Suarez’s history of biting opponents throughout his career.

In the official press release from PFL, Evra elaborated on his excitement for the event, stating, “I love this game too. I’ve performed on the world’s biggest stages, won every major trophy in football, but PFL Europe Paris will be an incredibly special night for me.” He emphasized his rigorous training with top competitors, asserting, “They’ll also tell you I’m ready for this. I’m going to put on a show at the Accor Arena on 23 May, so come watch the spectacle.”

Evra enjoyed a remarkable football career, making 379 appearances for Manchester United between 2006 and 2014, during which he secured five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. His professional journey also included stints at several clubs in France and Italy, including Monaco and Juventus, culminating in a brief period with West Ham before retirement in 2018. Since hanging up his boots, he has taken on the role of a television pundit, sharing insights from his time in the sport.

The Professional Fighters League, where Evra will compete, is recognized as the second-largest MMA promotion globally, trailing only the UFC. This new chapter in Evra’s sports endeavors is generating considerable interest among both football and MMA fans alike, as he transitions from one high-octane sport to another.

Source
www.bbc.com