Patrice Evra Trades Football for Fists: Former France Star to Debut in MMA

Patrice Evra, former Manchester United and France football star, is set to make his MMA debut on May 23rd in Paris. Read more about his upcoming fight.

Patrice Evra, the former Manchester United and France full-back, is set to make his mixed martial arts debut in May in Paris. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) announced the 43-year-old's first bout, saying Evra “will fulfil his new dream of competing in an MMA bout.”

𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂: Patrice Evra makes his PFL MMA DEBUT at PFL Paris on Friday 23rd May 🤯🤯🤯
⁰The former Manchester United and Les Bleus footballer will enter the SmartCage for the first time inside the Accor Arena in just four weeks time!

I LOVE THIS CAGEEEEE! 🔥 @Evra… pic.twitter.com/TeAiuOlOrt

— PFL Europe (@PFLEurope) April 25, 2025

“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,” Evra said. He has been training in combat sports since 2016 alongside PFL star Cedric Doumbe, who can attest to his readiness. The name of Evra's opponent will be revealed soon.

Patrice Evra joked on social media about potentially facing Luis Suarez in his MMA debut, referencing their infamous past encounter. In 2011, Suarez was banned for eight games after being accused of racially insulting Evra during a Liverpool-Manchester United match.

“The PFL asked who I wanna face. I said: Luis Suarez... He can even bite me,” Evra posted. His MMA debut is scheduled for May 23rd at the Accor Arena in Paris.