Patrice Evra’s Transition from Football to MMA: A New Chapter Begins
In a surprising twist that has left both football and MMA fans buzzing, former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra is set to make his debut in the world of mixed martial arts. The 43-year-old, who is fondly remembered for his time at Old Trafford, will step into the cage for a “showcase bout” in Paris on May 23. And if that wasn’t intriguing enough, Evra has expressed a rather unique desire for his first opponent: none other than Luis Suárez, with a cheeky nod to their infamous past, saying Suárez “can even bite me.”
Evra’s illustrious football career saw him clinch five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy during his eight-year stint with Manchester United. However, his time in England was also marked by several heated encounters with Suárez, the former Liverpool forward.
One of the most talked-about incidents occurred in November 2011, when Suárez was charged by the Football Association with racially abusing Evra during a match at Anfield. This led to an eight-game ban for the Uruguayan striker. The tension between the two players was palpable when they faced each other again in February, following Suárez’s suspension. In a match at Old Trafford, Suárez refused to shake Evra’s hand during the pre-match lineup, further fueling the rivalry.
Suárez, who is currently playing alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, has been involved in other controversial incidents, including biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic and Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini. These incidents have only added to the colorful narrative surrounding Suárez’s career.
In a bold announcement, Evra took to social media, writing in a post on X: “BREAKING: I’m officially training for my first fight with @PFLEurope. They will pick my opponent … They asked who I wanna face. I said: Luis Suárez. I’ll pay out of pocket. He can even bite me.”
Evra has been preparing for this new venture alongside his friend and Professional Fighters League (PFL) star Cédric Doumbé. The former left-back expressed his excitement, stating, “You guys should know by now, 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 further added, “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 23 May, so come watch the spectacle.”
The PFL has yet to announce Evra’s opponent for what they have described as a “showcase bout.” However, the anticipation is building, with PFL CEO Pete Murray commenting, “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. I can’t tell you how excited Patrice has been putting this together, but I think you’re going to see it at the Accor Arena.”
Evra retired from professional football in 2018 after a brief spell with West Ham United. His transition to MMA is a testament to his enduring passion for sports and his willingness to embrace new challenges. As the countdown to May 23 continues, fans from both the football and MMA worlds are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an unforgettable night in Paris.
- Patrice Evra’s MMA debut is set for May 23 in Paris.
- Evra has expressed interest in facing Luis Suárez in the cage.
- The PFL has yet to announce Evra’s opponent for the “showcase bout.”
Originally Written by: ESPN
