Patrice Evra makes stunning career change as ex-Premier League star set to make MMA debut
The Premier League icon retired from football in 2019, but has sensationally confirmed will be making his MMA debut in his country next month
Former Premier League star Patrice Evra is set to make his MMA debut next month in a stunning career change.
The ex- Manchester United full-back - who retried from football in 2019 - has penned a lucrative with the Professional Fighters League, commonly known as PFL. Evra, 43, played for the Red Devils between 2006 and 2014, winning five Premier League titles and one Champions League.
Evra, who earned 81 caps for France, started his combat training in 2016 and the legendary defender has since been honing his skillset alongside long-time friend and PFL superstar, Cedric Doumbe. The 43-year-old's training camp for his MMA debut is already well underway - with an opponent set to be confirmed.
He will be making his SmartCage debut at PFL Europe Paris on Friday, May 23 at the Accor Arena. The Frenchman has swapped the football boots for the gloves and is eager looking forward to stepping foot inside the octagon. In an official press release, 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. 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.'
It's been a long time coming for the Frenchman - who is a real admirer of the combat sports. In 2022, he was tipped to make his boxing debut against social media star Adam Saleh. The bout was expected to take place on the undercard of Martyn Ford's heavyweight clash against Sajad Gharibi, better known as the Iranian Hulk.
However, the main event collapsed - which led to Boxstar postponing the event all together. Three years later, Evra will finally get to test his luck in the world of combat sports. Following the announcement, PFL Chief Executive Officer Pete Murray said: '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. 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.'
PFL Europe Paris will also see some of the top stars in France compete at the Accor Arena on - with Mansour Barnaoui and undefeated Archie Colgan set to fight in a huge lightweight clash, in a fight where a standout performance could eventually lead to a title fight. The card also features PFL debutant Taylor Lapilus - fresh off of a stint in the UFC - who is scheduled to go up against 2024 PFL MENA Bantamweight Champion Ali Taleb.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal transfer update as Mikel Arteta makes final decision
Mikel Arteta could finally have a new striker at his disposal as Arsenal progress in their bid to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a crucial transfer window for the Gunners Arsenal face an important summer in the transfer market as they once again attempt to bridge the gap to finding success under Mikel Arteta. For third year in succession the Gunners finished as runners-up in the Premier League and probably missed an opportunity along the way. Arteta is keen to see his squad strengthened in the coming months and a new striker is top of the agenda. The Gunners have been linked to a long list of players, including Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres. It is not the only position Arsenal hope to improve in however. Nico Williams remains of interest for Arteta and Morgan Rogers, Real Madrid star Rodrygo and Leroy Sane are all said to be shortlisted. There are just two days remaining of the first transfer window of the summer. Arsenal won't have long to wait until it is once again available to them on June 16. Mirror Football takes a look at the latest transfer news and rumours around the Emirates below. Sesko talks scheduled Arsenal are set for more talks for the transfer of Benjamin Sesko, as the Gunners attempt to finally land a new forward. There is no agreement in place between the north London side and RB Leipzig just yet but they have already pencilled in another round of talks with positive feelings over reaching an agreement according to Sky Sports Germany. Leipzig still await an official offer from Arsenal, and have placed a price-tag of £60m on the 22-year-old star. Striker convinced Arsenal are solely focused on landing Benjamin Sesko and advancing their course to get a deal over the line, with no move for Viktor Gyokores expected currently, per reports. The deal is said to be advancing well for Sesko, as the consensus appears, with Mikel Arteta proving convincing. It is claimed that Sesko has been 'sold on Arteta's project' having decided to remain in Germany last season amid the Gunners' long-term interest. The 41-cap Slovenia international now appears prepared to leave. Zubimendi concern Martin Zubimendi has two reasons to reject a move to Arsenal with Real Madrid lurking in wait. The Gunners have an agreement in place with Real Sociedad over the transfer but Zubimendi has yet to have a medical and has said he expects a long summer. Reports in Spain suggest that Zubimendi would prefer to remain in his home nation however, eve if he is to leave Real Sociedad. AS claim Zubimendi is 'attracted' to the idea of playing for Real Madrid under Alonso too, having previously played under him for Real Sociedad B. Real Madrid are interested in the 26-year-old and new Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso is said to have made the player his primary target. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
PSG president explains strict transfer rule Luis Enrique says they must follow
Luis Enrique has changed the way that Paris Saint-Germain approach transfers, with president Nasser Al-Khelaifi explaining how they now conduct business under the Spanish manager Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has explained the rule Luis Enrique has enforced since joining the club that helped them win the Champions League. PSG claimed their maiden title in the competition by destroying Inter Milan 5-0 on May 31 – and a great deal of the credit went to manager Enrique. The French giants had faltered in Europe's premier club competition in previous years, but triumphed with a team packed full of young guns. Their new look under Enrique was highlighted by Desire Doue – the 20-year-old attacker who scored twice in the final. He was signed from Rennes for €50million (£42m) in August 2024 to form a part of the young spine of Enrique's side. PSG also signed Joao Neves (19), William Pacho (22) and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (24) during the 2024/25 season, all of whom started the thrashing of Inter. Al-Khelaifi says that focus on youth will continue while Enrique remains the manager. "He is the best coach to develop young players,' he told Qatari broadcaster Al-Kass. 'He likes young players. For example, buying a 28 or 27-year-old player is impossible for him, forbidden, he absolutely does not want it. 'He likes all players who are 21 or 22 years old. Have you noticed the latest players we have recruited? The oldest is 23 or 24, no more. "Luis Enrique likes a fighting spirit, he likes a player who gives his all, who runs a lot on the pitch, who is generous in his effort. How do we work? [Sporting director] Luis Campos has to present the player to the coach. The coach has to study how he plays, his value, his price and other aspects. 'There has to be an agreement, an agreement between everyone, even if each has their role. For everything that concerns scouting, it is Luis Enrique who has to approve the player. He has to be convinced that the player fits into his future project. Then, we, the management, also give our approval.' HAVE YOUR SAY! Can PSG sustain their form next season? Comment below. Al-Khelaifi also used the interview to fire shots at former PSG striker Kylian Mbappe, who left for Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer, only to end his debut season trophyless. PSG won the treble without him, with Enrique claiming the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and the Champions League to give his president ammunition. "It's easier to score goals in La Liga than in Ligue 1," Al-Khelaifi said. "Luis Enrique proudly represented Ligue 1 and defended it against Premier League fans who called it the Farmers' League. "We ended up beating Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal in the Champions League this season. Nobody thought we would win the title. We approached the Champions League step by step.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd to earn 'substantial' windfall for player sold less than 12 months ago
Manchester United's Profit and Sustainability concerns are set to be eased with one of their former academy players expected to be on the move this summer, just a year ater leaving the Red Devils Manchester United are set to earn a substantial transfer windfall thanks to former star Maxi Oyedele. The United academy graduate left the Red Devils a year ago for Legia Warsaw, having never played a senior game at Old Trafford. But he has starred in Poland, making 24 appearances in all competitions as Legia won the Polish Cup. That was their first major trophy since 2023, with Oyedele playing all 90 minutes of the final. Though he only joined last summer and has two years to run on his contract, the midfielder is attracting strong interest. Werder Bremen, PSV Eindhoven, Anderlecht, Club Brugge and a number of Championship sides are understood to be monitoring the 20-year-old. There is a release clause in his contract that means he is available for a tick over £5million this summer. There is a growing expectation at Legia that he will be departing the club after just one season. If he does indeed move on, it would bank United a healthy sum, which will go a way towards easing their concerns with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules. The Red Devils are hoping to be busy this summer and any fee received will be greatly appreciated. In a surprise move given he left just 12 months ago, United will benefit substantially from Oyedele's potential transfer. When they sold him last summer, United inserted various clauses into the deal. While they only sold him for a small fee, one of the clauses they inserted was a substantial sell-on clause to ensure future profit. That sell-on clause means that United are entitled to 40 per cent of any fee Legia receive for the midfielder. If he is sold for his release clause, it would see United bank just over £2m. That money would likely go straight into easing their PSR concerns, with a buy-back option also included in the original deal. A departure for Oyedele would come as somewhat of a surprise given his short time in Poland. Speaking in April, the youngster insisted he was happy with life in the capital city. 'It's just funny for my mum because she left Poland to come to England and make a life; I left England to go to Poland to start my journey,' Oyedele told The Guardian. 'Legia was the biggest opportunity. "I don't even think I realised how big of an opportunity it was when I heard about it. I felt like this was the opportunity to play in Europe, the biggest team in Poland. It's my nationality, so it's close to the national team. "It's always a risk to leave it, but it just seemed like the best choice. I couldn't afford to waste another year playing academy football. I could have stayed in England and continued my journey and who knows what would have happened." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
