Former Manchester United Star to Make MMA Debut with PFL
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The PFL has been expanding and creating more fights as the promotion has grown, including the current single-elimination world tournament format that debuted to rave reviews in 2025. On top of having world-class MMA talent on the roster, the organization continues to draw in talent across the globe.
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One such talent is coming from a place an MMA fan might not have looked before. A former star footballer and former captain of the storied Manchester United club and the French National Team is set to make his debut with the PFL at PFL Europe Paris on May 23.
Patrice Evra, known around the world for his skills on the pitch, is set to make his professional MMA debut.
Evra began his combat training back in 2016 and has been under the tutelage of MMA and PFL superstar Cédric Doumbé. Doumbé is one of the best on the planet, and he is imparting his knowledge for Evra to be a world-renowned champ in a completely new sport.
Manchester United's Patrice Evra (L) warms up with teammates ahead of the Legends of the North football match between Manchester United Legends and Liverpool Legends at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England on May 21,...
Manchester United's Patrice Evra (L) warms up with teammates ahead of the Legends of the North football match between Manchester United Legends and Liverpool Legends at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England on May 21, 2022. More
LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images
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Evra commented on his PFL debut, stating:
"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."
PFL CEO Peter Murray also commented on the historic debut that is set to take place.
"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," Murray stated.
Evra's opponent has yet to be revealed, but the announcement should be coming soon.
The card for PFL Europe Paris is as follows:
Lightweight Showcase Bout: Mansour Barnaoui (22-6) vs. Archie Colgan (11-0)
Lightweight Showcase Bout: Patrick Habirora (6-0) vs. Nicolas Di Franco (10-4-1)
Bantamweight Showcase Bout: Taylor Lapilus (21-4) vs. Ali Taleb (12-1)
PFL Europe Bantamweight Tournament Bout: Mahio Campanella (7-1) vs. Matiss Zaharovs (7-3)
PFL Europe Amateur Welterweight Showcase Bout: Patrice Evra (0-0) vs. TBA
PFL Europe Bantamweight Tournament Bout: Dean Garnett vs. Alexander Luster (9-2)
PFL Europe Featherweight Showcase Bout: Asaël Adjouudj (9-1) vs. Zebenzui Ruiz (12-3)
PFL Europe Bantamweight Tournament Bout: Anas Azizoun (5-1) vs. Gustavo Oliveira (10-2)
PFL Europe Bantamweight Tournament Bout: Julien Lopez (7-4-1) vs. Jan Ciepłowski (8-0)
PFL Europe Featherweight Showcase Bout: Adam Meskini (9-3) vs. Tiziano Ferranti (10-1)
PFL Europe Welterweight Showcase Bout: Salvo Giudice (1-0) vs. Brice Belghazi (1-1)
For more MMA, head to Newsweek Sports.
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