The PFL SmartCage is about to welcome a former French footballer in a shock crossover bout.
On Friday, the PFL formally introduced that former Manchester United captain Patrice Evra has signed with the promotion and might be making his MMA debut on the upcoming PFL Europe occasion on Might 23 on the Accor Enviornment in Paris, France.
Evra is predicted to compete in a welterweight showcase bout — although his opponent stays below wraps.
𝗔 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝘀 @Evra makes the transition from the pitch to the SmartCage on Might twenty third! Be there for the PFL MMA Debut of the Former Manchester United and French Star! LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN!
https://t.co/Z6G5BY2siL#PFLParis | Friday twenty third… pic.twitter.com/lfH2YrvNoJ
— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 25, 2025
The 43-year-old Senegal-born Frenchman has been coaching alongside fellow countryman and PFL standout Cédric Doumbé.
Following the announcement, Evra took to social media and cheekily urged he want to make his promotional debut in opposition to his longtime Premier League rival, Luis Suárez, contained in the cage.
“BREAKING: I’m formally coaching for my first struggle with @PFLEurope. They are going to choose my opponent… They requested who I wanna face. I stated:Luis Suárez. I’ll pay out of pocket. He may even chew me, Evra wrote on X.
Following a quick stint with West Ham United, Evra hung up his boots for good in July 2019. His illustrious taking part in profession was highlighted by a commanding decade at Manchester United from 2005 to 2014, throughout which he made 273 appearances.
The upcoming PFL Europe occasion is about to be headlined by a light-weight showdown between Mansour Barnaoui and Archie Colgan. The cardboard additionally options one other 155-pound conflict between Patrick Habirora and Nicolas Di Franco, in addition to a bantamweight battle during which promotional debutant Taylor Lapilus will face off in opposition to Ali Taleb.
