Manchester United icon Patrice Evra is scheduled to make his debut in professional mixed martial arts under the PFL promotion, with his first fight taking place next month.
Evra enjoyed a distinguished football career, securing major titles including the Champions League and multiple league titles. He began training in combat sports in 2016 and is now transitioning his focus from boxing to MMA.
He has been training alongside PFL standout Cedric Doumbe in preparation for his cage debut, set for Friday, May 23, in Paris. As a former captain of the French national football team, his entry into MMA is expected to generate significant interest and draw a large audience.
PFL Debut Confirmed for Patrice Evra
Confirmation has been received from the PFL regarding soccer star Patrice Evra`s upcoming debut in the SmartCage on May 23 during the promotion`s event at the Accor Arena in Paris. This event will be the second in PFL`s European tournament series for the year.
Details regarding his opponent and weight class are yet to be announced, but the fight is guaranteed to be part of the PFL Europe card in Paris.
In a statement, Evra said, “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 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.”
PFL CEO Peter Murray commented, “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.
Murray continued, “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.”
Previous Plans for Boxing Debut
Back in 2022, Evra had planned to make his boxing debut on the undercard of a fight between Martyn Ford and the Iranian Hulk. However, the London event was cancelled, leading to the cancellation of his planned fight against YouTuber Adam Saleh.
Since that time, the profile of celebrity boxing has significantly increased, partly due to figures like Jake Paul and the Misfits Boxing promotion led by KSI. Evra has some familiarity with KSI, having recently participated in a reality show hosted by his group, the Sidemen.
Evra has been involved in boxing training since 2016, a period when he was still playing football at an elite level for Juventus. He retired from professional football after a brief spell at West Ham in 2018 and is currently 43 years old, which is relatively young in the context of combat sports transitions.
