Patrice Evra, the celebrated Manchester United figure, is diligently preparing for his inaugural mixed martial arts bout scheduled for next month in Paris.
During his illustrious playing career, the former defensive star amassed numerous accolades, solidifying his status as one of football`s all-time great defenders. In his post-football life, Evra has become a well-known pundit and social media personality.
His transition to combat sports began with boxing training towards the end of his football career, eventually leading him to MMA. Now signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), Evra is set to step into the Smart Cage for the first time when the promotion returns to the Accor Arena next month.
Patrice Evra Secures Training Assistance from Prominent PFL Athletes for MMA Debut
In anticipation of his first competitive fight, Patrice Evra has sought the guidance of some of the PFL`s leading names. It was already known that he trained under the instruction of Cedric Doumbe, and he is now expanding his preparation.
Brendan Loughnane, the PFL featherweight champion from 2022 and a devoted Manchester United supporter, recently shared a series of photographs showcasing his training sessions with Evra. Loughnane frequently spends time in Dubai, which appears to be where Evra has established his training base.
The images depict Loughnane posing with his 2022 championship belt alongside Evra, seemingly participating in a light training session. Loughnane captioned his post: “Welcome to the @pflmma brother #Manchester.” Several commenters pointed out that both individuals are highly regarded figures in the city of Manchester.
Patrice Evra Discusses His Motivation for Entering the Cage
Following the announcement of his signing on social media, Evra playfully suggested challenging his former rival, Luis Suarez, referencing their intense history during their time at Manchester United and Liverpool. However, his actual debut opponent is expected to be a fighter with some degree of prior combat experience, even if limited.
In a press release, Evra stated his enthusiasm for the sport: “As you know, I have a strong passion for combat sports as well. I`ve competed on the grandest global stages and secured all major football honors, but fighting at PFL Europe Paris will be uniquely significant for me.
He continued, “I`ve been training alongside world-class fighters for a considerable time, and they can attest to my readiness. I plan to deliver an exciting performance at the Accor Arena on May 23rd, so be there to witness it.”
