Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has made a shocking announcement, revealing his plans to make his MMA debut in a special exhibition match at the upcoming PFL Europe event in Paris on May 23. Taking to social media on April 25, Evra shared the news with a mix of humor and seriousness, admitting that his opponent has yet to be confirmed but making it clear that he is ready for the challenge.
“I’m officially training for my first MMA fight. They asked me who I want to face. I said Suarez. I’ll pay for it. He can bite me if he wants,” Evra wrote in his post. His comment is a direct reference to the infamous 2011 incident between him and Luis Suarez, during a Manchester United vs Liverpool match, when Suarez was banned for eight matches and fined £40,000 for racial abuse against Evra.
Evra, who is now preparing for the fight alongside MMA star Cedric Doumbe, stated that although he has played on some of the biggest stages in football and won many major titles, this upcoming PFL Europe event will be a special night for him. “I’ve performed on the biggest stages in the world, won every major football title, but PFL Europe Paris will be a very special night,” he said. “I’ve trained with the best in the world for years, and they will tell you that I am ready for this fight. Come and see my performance at the Accor Arena on May 23.”
In his post, Evra also rekindled the infamous 2011 incident with Suarez, which had left a lasting mark on their relationship. The altercation during the match between Manchester United and Liverpool led to a racial abuse charge against Suarez, a controversial episode that would go on to define their history. Evra had previously expressed a desire to punch Suarez following the incident, and after receiving threats, he was forced to hire bodyguards for several months.
Despite Evra’s bold challenge, Suarez is unlikely to accept the fight, as he is still actively playing professional football for Inter Miami. The former Liverpool striker is focused on his career in the United States and would likely be unavailable for the MMA debut on May 23.
Patrice Evra, whose career spanned across some of Europe’s top football clubs, began his professional journey in Italy with Marsala and Monza before making a name for himself at French clubs Nice and Monaco. He went on to become one of Europe’s top left-backs during his time at Manchester United, from January 2006, where he spent seven and a half successful years. At Old Trafford, Evra won the Premier League, three League Cups, and a UEFA Champions League title.
In 2014, Evra joined Juventus, where he continued to enjoy success, claiming two Serie A titles and finishing as a runner-up in the Champions League in 2015. Towards the end of his career, he returned to France for a short stint with Marseille, then briefly played in England for West Ham, before retiring from football in 2019.
On the international stage, Evra was a staple for France from 2004 to 2016, earning 81 caps and competing in five major international tournaments, including Euro 2016 held in France.
In 2022, Evra made an unexpected move into the world of boxing, announcing plans to face social media star Adam Saleh in the ring. However, the match was later canceled, leaving fans to wonder if Evra would find another way to challenge himself in the world of combat sports.
Now, as he prepares for his MMA debut, Patrice Evra’s bold move into the ring has drawn attention from both his football fans and combat sports enthusiasts alike. The upcoming event in Paris will be a thrilling spectacle, as Evra steps outside the football field to face new challenges, promising an exciting night for all who attend.
