Patrice Evra has thrown down the gauntlet to Luis Suarez, challenging the former striker to an MMA showdown following his PFL debut announcement in Paris.
fotnet24.net understands that the 43-year-old Evra will make his MMA debut at PFL Europe Paris on May 23. He will compete at the Accor Arena, marking a stunning career pivot. He has trained in combat sports since 2016 under the guidance of PFL star Cédric Doumbé. Doumbé holds a 6-1 professional record Professional Fighters League. The Paris event follows PFL’s Belfast showcase on May 10, highlighting the league’s European expansion talkSPORT.
Evra retired from professional football in 2019 after spells with AS Monaco, Marseille, Juventus and West Ham United Wikipedia. During his time at Manchester United, he made 278 Premier League appearances, scored seven goals and delivered 21 assists Premier League News. He also helped keep 98 clean sheets and completed 711 tackles at a 74% success rate, underpinning five league titles and one Champions League victory Premier League NewstalkSPORT.
Their renewed hostilities tap into a bitter 2011 episode when Suarez received an eight-match ban for racially abusing Evra on the field ESPN.comWikipedia. The Uruguayan forward is now aged 38 and remains infamous for three biting incidents. He bit Otman Bakkal at Ajax in 2010 and Branislav Ivanović at Liverpool in 2013. He also bit Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup Business InsiderReuters.
Evra publicly teased his desired opponent through a playful social media post, stating he would face Suarez and even cover his fee. His jest added fuel to the narrative around one of the Premier League’s most storied rivalries Reuters.
The May 23 card in Paris will showcase more than just Evra’s debut. It features marquee matchups such as Mansour Barnaoui versus Archie Colgan and a PFL MENA bantamweight title clash between Taylor Lapilus and Ali Taleb talkSPORT. The stacked lineup underscores PFL’s strategy to blend headline spectacle with top-tier MMA talent.
PFL CEO Pete Murray lauded Evra’s transition, citing his passion and global appeal. Murray said Evra “loves this game as much as we do” and promised a historic evening at Accor Arena. Promoters highlighted that Evra’s star power would help expand PFL’s footprint in Europe talkSPORT.
Evra expressed enthusiasm about the bout, promising fans an unforgettable spectacle on May 23. He encouraged supporters to witness history at the Accor Arena in Paris, confident his athleticism would translate to the cage talkSPORT.
Evra’s bold move has already generated buzz across both football and MMA circles. As anticipation builds, Paris on May 23 promises a crossover spectacle few saw coming. MMA purists and football fans alike will tune in to see if Evra can deliver on his audacious challenge.