Patrice Evra makes stunning career change as ex-Premier League star set to make MMA debut

Former star is set to make his MMA debut next month in a stunning career change.

The ex- 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 .

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 yet 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 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!"

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"I’ve performed on the ’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 didn't miss the opportunity to call-out long-time rival and ex-Liverpool striker, Luis Suarez. Following the stunning news that the former defender had penned a deal with the PFL, the Frenchman took to X - formerly known as - and posted: "BREAKING: I’m officially training for my first fight with @PFLEurope. They will pick my opponent... They asked who I wanna face. I said: Luis Suarez. I’ll pay out of pocket. He can even bite me." The 43-year-old has continued the pair's feud after the Red Devils legend was during a clash between their old teams in October 2011.

It's been a long time coming for the Frenchman - who is a real admirer of combat sports. In 2022, he was tipped to make his 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 - who is scheduled to go up against 2024 PFL MENA Bantamweight Champion Ali Taleb.