From Football to Combat Sport - Former Manchester United And France Star Set For MMA Debut With PFL

Add as a preferred source on Google

Former Manchester United and France full back Patrice Evra is officially making a switch from football to combat sport with his mixed martial arts debut set for next month at his home country.

Professional Fighters League (PFL) on Friday (April 25) announced that iconic French footballer Evra, who was very combative in nature during his football career, will make his MMA debut at PFL Europe Paris on 23 May at the Accor Arena.

Former captain of "Les Bleus", Evra will fulfil his new dream of competing in an MMA bout. Starting his combat training in 2016, the legendary left-back has been honing his skillset alongside friend and PFL superstar, Cédric Doumbé.

Training camp for Evra's MMA debut in the SmartCage is underway, with his opponent set to be announced soon. A world-class athlete, Evra's natural athleticism and competitive streak will see him take on one of the most unique challenges in his sporting career.

"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," Evra was quoted as saying in PFL's announcement about the bout.

"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."

"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," said PFL Chief Executive Officer Pete Murray.

"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."

Earlier in 2017, Evra's former teammate at Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand failed in his attempt to switch to professional boxing after his retirement from football. Now, a former Red Devil gets a chance to showcase his skills in a different sport when Evra fights on the under card of Barnaoui vs Colgan.

PFL Europe Paris will also see some of the best French MMA athletes compete with Mansour "Tarzan" Barnaoui (22-6) and the undefeated Archie "King" Colgan (11-0) set to fight in a huge Lightweight bout in the headliner fight which could lead to Lightweight Championship contention.

The card will also feature PFL debutant Taylor "Double Impact" Lapilus (21-4) going up against 2024 PFL MENA Bantamweight Champion Ali Taleb (12-1). Plus, Belgian sensation Patrick "The Belgian Bomber" Habirora (6-0) will also be featured against compatriot Nicolas Di Franco (10-4-1).