Former Manchester United and France international Patrice Evra is set to step into the mixed martial arts (MMA) cage for the first time professionally.
The 43-year-old former football star is scheduled to compete in a bout at the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Europe event taking place in Paris on May 23 at the Accor Arena in Bercy.
Evra has reportedly engaged in combat sports training for close to a decade and has been preparing for his upcoming competitive debut alongside PFL fighter and friend, Cedric Doumbe.
His opponent for the inaugural fight has not yet been publicly announced. Speaking about his venture into MMA, Evra commented:
“You guys should know by now, I love this game too.”
Reflecting on his career transition and the upcoming event, he added:
“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.”
Evra expressed confidence in his preparation:
“I`ve been training alongside the best in the world for years and they`ll also tell you I`m ready for this. I`m going to put on a show at the Accor Arena on May 23, so come watch the spectacle.”
PFL CEO Pete Murray welcomed Evra to the league, stating:
“I`m told he loves this game as much as us, and we`ll find out on 23 May! We`re incredibly excited to have the superstar that is Patrice Evra fight under the PFL banner, as we`re all about exciting match-ups and making history.”
Evra enjoyed a highly decorated football career, spending eight-and-a-half years at Manchester United where he secured five Premier League titles among numerous other accolades.
He later moved to Juventus in 2014 and concluded his professional playing career around six years ago, following a brief period at West Ham United.
