The PFL have announced that Patrice Evra will make his professional MMA debut next month.
Evra, who made 273 appearances for Manchester United between 2006 and 2014, will fulfil his new fighting dream at PFL Europe Paris on May 23.
The 43-year-old legendary left-back started his combat training in 2016, and has been honing his skillset alongside good friend and PFL superstar, Cedric Doumbe.
Training camp for the former France captain’s MMA debut in the SmartCage has already begun, with his opponent set to be announced.
“You guys should know by now, I love this game too!” Evra said.
“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 Europe will see the best French MMA athletes compete, with Mansour Barnaoui (22-6) and the undefeated Archie Colgan (11-0) set to fight in a huge Lightweight bout.
The card also features PFL debutant Taylor Lapilus (21-4), who is fresh off his 6-2 record in the UFC as he faces 2024 PFL MENA bantamweight champion Ali Taleb (12-1).
Belgian sensation Patrick Habirora (6-0) will also fight against compatriot Nicolas Di Franco on the card.
“I’m told he loves this game as much as us, and we’ll find out on 23 May!” PFL CEO Pete Murray said.
“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 Paris will come just weeks after the promotion is set for another event of the year candidate in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Paul Hughes will fulfill his lifelong dream of headlining a card in his home city when he makes his PFL return on May 10 at The SSE Arena against Brazilian Muay Thai specialist Bruno Miranda.
Hughes, who has the potential to surpass UFC legend Conor McGregor in MMA, has quickly become one of the sport’s most promising fighters.
The SSE Arena is situated a stone’s throw away from Hughes’ Fight Academy Ireland MMA gym and ‘Big News’ has promised his fans a spectacle.
“All my career I’ve said I will main event The SSE Arena, and we’ve made my dream into a reality,” he said in March, announcing the fight.
Evra won five league titles in England with Man United before a brief spell at West Ham at the end of his career.
His time at Old Trafford also saw the left-back win 14 trophies, including both the Champions League and Club World Cup.
Meanwhile, he had spells with Monaco, Juventus and Marseille as well as winning 81 caps for France.
