Patrice Evra, the former football star known for his leadership on the pitch, is gearing up to make his Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) debut on May 23. The war will be brought to the PFL Europe card in Paris, specifically in the Accor Arena which has hosted many of the biggest UFC moments. Evra has been preparing for an MMA career since 2016. Now, after retiring from professional football in 2019, he is chomping at the bit to make his own debut in the octagon.
From playing for some of the biggest clubs in football like Manchester United, Juventus and AS Monaco, Evra has an illustrious football pedigree. Additionally, he captained the French national team, further demonstrating his skill and leadership on the international stage. Now, he’s looking to establish a different kind of legacy – this one in the sport of mixed martial arts.
A Historic Fight in Paris
The first PFL Europe event should be a historic night for these three, but especially for Evra and MMA fans overall. We’re thrilled at the prospect of having Evra come to speak with us,” said Pete Murray, CEO of PFL Europe.
“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.” – Pete Murray
Murray pushed that enthusiasm further by saying the excitement around Evra’s debut is contagious.
“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.” – Pete Murray
Evra confirmed his involvement with a statement on social media, stating:
“BREAKING: I’m officially training for my first fight with PFL Europe. They will pick my opponent.” – Patrice Evra
Bitterness and Rivalry with Luis Suarez
Whatever shape Evra’s future MMA career might take, it is certainly full of opportunity. He has been dogged in pursuit of his former rival, Luis Suarez. Their mutual hostility dates back to 2011. On-field dynamics and discrimination That season, Suarez was suspended for eight matches for directing racist language towards Evra in their Premier League matchup that year. This event has helped to maintain our annual rivalry through the decades.
Evra was recently quoted as saying he’d like to punch Suarez if he had the chance, proving that he’s no stranger to taking the battle to the old enemy.
“They asked who I wanna face. I said: Luis Suarez. I’ll pay out of pocket. He can even bite me.” – Patrice Evra
Suarez now plays for Inter Miami. He is best known for having bitten opponents on three separate occasions and for that reason, he is one of the most controversial figures in soccer history. As anyone familiar with soccer knows, one of his most infamous incidents came at the 2014 World Cup where he, again, bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini.
Evra’s Transition from Football to MMA
Evra’s switch from football to MMA is a complete turn in his sporting career. He has spent quite a bit of time and energy getting ready for this new challenge, since hanging up his boots. His extensive training over the past seven years has positioned him to make a serious impact in a sport that demands resilience and skill.
As he prepares for this new chapter, fans are eager to see how Evra’s experience as a footballer translates into the octagon. It is only a matter of time before gauntlet Paris tests his physical limits in every sense. It would provide him an opportunity to pay back an enmity to an age-old rival.
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