Latest news with #SmartCage
Arab News
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
‘I want to be the best': Kuwait's Eman Almudhaf eyes debut success at PFL MENA in Jeddah
JEDDAH: Undefeated Kuwaiti mixed martial arts standout Eman Almudhaf is determined to be victorious in her long-awaited SmartCage debut at PFL MENA 1 on May 9 at the Onyx Arena in Jeddah. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The card for the PFL MENA's highly-anticipated second season in Jeddah features an exciting crop of newcomers, which includes Almudhaf, who faces fellow PFL debutant Shamara Braga from Brazil in a women's featherweight showcase bout. The 32-year-old Almudhaf owns a pristine 4-0 professional MMA record, with all her wins coming by way of stoppage. Ahead of her maiden appearance, the UAE Warriors veteran has made her goals clear: 'I want to be the best.' While it may sound like a lofty goal, it is one that Almudhaf expects out of herself, especially since she has already made history as the first female fighter from Kuwait to join the PFL. More than just the distinction of being the first, Almudhaf is proud to be blazing a path for athletes like herself. 'Being the first Kuwaiti female fighter in the PFL is great, of course. 'We're showing that we belong in this sport at the highest level, just as much as anyone,' she said. Almudhaf relishes the opportunity, especially since she was a witness to PFL MENA's immensely successful first season. 'I did follow some of the fights, especially when the Kuwaiti fighters were on. I did follow last season's finals as well,' she revealed. 'I'm impressed by the level of talent and how fast the league is growing.' 'I'm very excited to be part of the biggest show in the Middle East right now,' she added. In her first assignment under the PFL MENA banner, Almudhaf will take on a dangerous and significantly more experienced fighter in Braga, who owns a 5-3 professional record. While her opponent has had more fights, Almudhaf is unfazed. 'My opponent looks tough and has double the cage experience I have, but technically and tactically, I believe that I'm better in all aspects of the game,' she said. 'I predict a dominant performance.' Almudhaf will not have the luxury of a full fight camp for her PFL debut, but she is confident that her years of work have prepared her well for this opportunity. 'Though it was a relatively short-notice fight, I have always been training and staying ready for any opportunity that comes,' she explained. 'I can't wait to show all the work I've put in, not just for this fight but from all my years of training.' While Almudhaf hails from Kuwait, she sharpens her skills in the UK, training out of the famed London Fight Factory and Great Britain Top Team stables. 'I'm incredibly proud to represent Kuwait and the MENA region, as well as both my teams in the UK, London Fight Factory and Great Britain Top Team,' she shared. Almudhaf hopes she can become an inspiration for another generation of Kuwaiti athletes. 'If I had any advice, it would be to stay focused, work hard, and don't let anyone limit you.' She added: 'Yes, of course, there are many challenges, different ones at each stage of my career, but I believe that having the belief in myself, a big passion for the sport, and a strong team around me helps me face any obstacle along the way.'
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Evra to make mixed martial arts debut at PFL Paris
Former Manchester United and France footballer Patrice Evra will make his mixed martial arts debut at PFL Europe Paris on Friday, 23 43-year-old - who quit football in 2018 - has been training since 2016 with PFL star and friend Cedric opponent for Evra's PFL Europe Showcase Bout in the SmartCage at the Accor Arena is yet to be announced."I love this game too," said Evra, who won 81 caps for France. "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."Evra played 379 times for Manchester United between 2006 and 2014, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions also played for several clubs in France and Italy, including Monaco and Juventus, and ended his football career with a short spell at West retiring he has worked as a TV Professional Fighters League (PFL) calls itself "a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league worldwide".
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patrice Evra to make his MMA debut: 'They asked who I wanna face. I said Luis Suarez.'
Former France and Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra has announced he will make his MMA debut during the Professional Fighters League (PFL) event in Paris, on Friday, May 23rd. The PFL have confirmed this rather unexpected news. 'I can't tell you how excited Patrice has been putting this together', said PFL CEO Pete Murray. '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.' Evra has reportedly started his combat training in 2016 alongside French PFL superstar Cédric Doumbé, a close friend of the former Juventus and Marseille defender. '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 said. '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.' Advertisement The PFL is yet to announce who will face Evra in the SmartCage. Although the France international has already joked he would like to fight… former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. The Uruguay international infamously used a racial slur aimed at Evra during a Premier League game between the Reds and the Red Devils, which led to Suarez being handed an 8-game ban. The pair refused to shake hands before the next meeting between Liverpool and Manchester United. 'He can even bite me', adds Evra as a reference to Suarez's tendency to bite his opponents. GFFN | Bastien Cheval
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
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.
Arab News
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Local favorite Mansour ‘Tarzan' Barnaoui to face American Archie Colgan at PFL Europe in Paris
LONDON: The Professional Fighters League has announced that Paris's own Mansour 'Tarzan' Barnaoui (22-6) will face the undefeated Archie 'King' Colgan (11-0) in a clash of the top lightweight contenders looking to stake their claim for title opportunities. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Barnaoui's record includes 15 submissions and six KO/TKOs, meaning he has finished all but one of his professional wins inside the distance. 'Tarzan' has also never been stopped, and will enter the SmartCage on May 24 with full confidence to pick up the victory for his Parisian fans in attendance. Colgan is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 wrestler who has not yet been beaten in MMA, establishing himself as one of the most dominant lightweights in the world. Having trained with legendary fighters Justin Gaethje and Kamaru Usman, 'King' has all the tools to spoil the Paris homecoming. Also on the card is a domestic Belgian clash between the undefeated Patrick 'The Belgian Bomber' Habirora (6-0) and Nicolas Di Franco (10-4-1) at lightweight. Habirora's flawless professional record and experienced amateur career has created a huge fanbase in his past two PFL outings, making his third fight a hugely anticipated affair. Di Franco is making his PFL debut two weeks after his brother Sebastien, who will compete in the PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament at PFL Europe Belfast on May 10, with the brothers out to make their mark on the promotion in 2025. Also on the card is new PFL signing Taylor 'Double Impact' Lapilus (21-4), who will make his debut in Paris, with his opponent yet to be announced. 'I have a huge opportunity at the Accor Arena on May 24 to make a statement and finish an undefeated fighter,' Barnaoui said. 'I expect a tough fight from Colgan, who is an excellent opponent, but when the referee lifts my hand, the PFL will realise they have a true lightweight title contender on their hands, and I have ambitions of becoming the champion. The French crowd will bring the energy like they always do, and I will bring the fight like I always do.' Colgan said: 'Paris, I'm back and ready to show everyone why I am one of the best lightweights in the world. The French fans always bring a great atmosphere so I'm ready to put on a show at the Accor Arena and show why I am in this conversation for the title shot. We will see you Saturday May 24th inside the SmartCage.' PFL CEO Peter Murray said: 'Paris holds a special place in PFL's heart. The French fans have made their case to be amongst the best in the world, and they tear the roof off the Accor Arena every time we bring the SmartCage, so it was a must-visit for us. 'Barnaoui hunts for the finish no matter his opponent, but Archie Colgan has never been stopped,' he added. 'French fans are about to find out what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object, and I know it's going to build on the history of French MMA. 'We also know what happens when we bring Patrick Habirora to France, so the energy is going to be off the charts. He faces a tough challenge against his Belgian compatriot, so let's see if his star continues to rise or if Nicolas Di Franco can steal the hype and make a name for himself.'
