Former soccer star Patrice Evra is trading his cleats for mixed martial arts gloves.
Officials from the Professional Fighters League (PFL) have confirmed that the former captain of the French National Soccer Team and Manchester United has signed a contract to compete in mixed martial arts. His amateur debut is scheduled for May 23rd at the Accor Arena in France.
An opponent for Evra`s debut fight has not yet been announced.
The 43-year-old had a decorated soccer career, earning a spot on the PFA Team of the Year three times. He played for the prominent Manchester United club for almost ten years, from 2005 to 2014.
Evra has been training alongside notable French MMA fighter Cedric Doumbe as he gets ready to transition to the PFL Smart Cage. He has even suggested a potential opponent.
On Twitter, Evra announced: “BREAKING: I`m officially training for my first fight with PFL Europe. 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 event where Evra will debut is headlined by a lightweight fight between Mansour Barnaoui and Archie Colgan. The card also includes former UFC fighter Taylor Lapilus competing against Ali Taleb.
