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Manchester United legend Patrice Evra is set for a surprising career shift into mixed martial arts and he’s eyeing former rival Luis Suarez as his first opponent.
Evra will make his mixed martial arts debut at PFL Europe Paris at the Accor Arena on 23 May.
He has been training in combat sports since 2016 alongside PFL Champion and close friend Cédric Doumbé.
Evra said in a statement, “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.”
“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.”
PFL Chief Executive Officer Pete Murray remarked, “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. Paris, we’re coming to put on another historic evening of MMA, don’t miss out.”
With training for his MMA debut already underway, Evra’s first opponent remains unconfirmed, but the former United star has made it clear who he’d like to face – Suarez.
Evra wrote on X, “BREAKING: I’m officially training for my first fight with PFL Europe. 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.”
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.
— Patrice Evra (@Evra) April 25, 2025
Evra has stirred up an old rivalry, revisiting the infamous incident from October 2011 when he was racially abused by the Uruguayan striker during a fiery Premier League clash.
Suarez was accused of using “insulting words” toward the United star, including remarks referencing the colour of Evra’s skin. Suarez was found guilty and the FA slapped him with an eight-game ban after a two-month investigation and a six-day hearing into the incident.
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