PARIS, April 26 — Former France international Patrice Evra is set to make his mixed martial arts (MMA) debut in May in Paris, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) announced yesterday.
PARIS, April 26 — Former France international Patrice Evra is set to make his mixed martial arts (MMA) debut in May in Paris, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) announced yesterday.
"Former 'Les Bleus' captain Evra will realise his new dream of competing in an MMA bout," the PFL said in a statement.
The 43-year-old has been training in combat sports since 2016 alongside his friend, Paris-based PFL star Cedric Doumbe, according to the organisation.
“You all know how much I love a challenge! I’ve performed on the biggest stages and won every major trophy in football, but PFL Europe Paris will be a truly special night for me,” said Evra, who earned 81 caps for France and played for Manchester United and Juventus.
“I’ve been training with some of the best fighters in the world for years — and they’ll tell you I’m ready,” he added.
The identity of his opponent will be revealed soon.
Evra also took to social media to joke about facing former Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, who was banned for eight matches after racially abusing Evra during a Liverpool-Manchester United clash in 2011.
Posting online, Evra said, “The PFL asked who I wanted to face. I said: Luis Suarez... He can even bite me.”
Evra’s debut will take place on May 23 at the Accor Arena in Paris, as part of a PFL event. — AFP
MANCHESTER, April 28 — Manchester United moved closer to securing Champions League qualification with a 2-1 victory over Brentford on Monday, but interim manager Michael Carrick said the team must continue pushing to finish as high as possible in the Premier League.
TEHRAN, April 28 — Iran on Tuesday said the United States is no longer in a position to dictate terms to other nations, as Washington reviews a new Iranian proposal concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
MECCA, April 28 — Haj pilgrims have been reminded not to let social media distract them from the true purpose of their journey in the Holy Land.