Football
Footballing superstar Patrice Evra is set to conquer another sporting endeavour as
he makes his MMA debut at PFL Europe Paris at the Accor Arena on 23 May
Training in combat since 2016 alongside PFL French superstar Cédric Doumbé, Evra
will put on MMA gloves and enter the SmartCage in a Showcase Bout in front of his
home crowd
Tickets for PFL Europe Paris available via accorarena.com
London (25 APRIL, 2025) – The Professional Fighters League today announced iconic French footballer Patrice Evra will make his mixed martial arts debut at PFL Europe Paris on 23 May at the Accor Arena.
Former captain of “Les Bleus”, Evra will fulfil his new dream of competing in an MMA bout. Starting his combat training in 2016, the legendary left-back has been honing his skillset alongside friend and PFL superstar, Cédric Doumbé. Training camp for Evra’s MMA debut in the SmartCage is underway, with his opponent set to be announced.
A world-class athlete, Evra’s natural athleticism and competitive streak will see him take on one of the most unique challenges in his sporting career.
“You guys should know by now, I love this game too! 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.” Said Patrice Evra.
“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.”
“I’m told he loves this game as much as us, and we’ll find out on 23 May! 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.” Said PFL Chief Executive Officer Pete Murray.
PFL Europe Paris will also see some of the best French MMA athletes compete at the Accor Arena on 23 May, with Mansour “Tarzan” Barnaoui (22-6) and the undefeated Archie “King” Colgan (11-0) set to fight in a huge Lightweight bout, in a fight where a standout performance could lead to Lightweight Championship contention. The deep card will also feature PFL debutant Taylor “Double Impact” Lapilus (21-4), fresh off his 6-2 record in the UFC, who will go up against 2024 PFL MENA Bantamweight Champion Ali Taleb (12-1). Belgian sensation Patrick “The Belgian Bomber” Habirora (6-0) will also be featured against compatriot Nicolas Di Franco (10-4-1).
Updated PFL Europe Paris Card:
The Accor Arena, Paris, France
DAZN (France) | DAZN (UK & Ireland)
Friday, 23 May
Lightweight Showcase Bout: Mansour Barnaoui (22-6) vs. Archie Colgan (11-0)
Lightweight Showcase Bout: Patrick Habirora (6-0) vs. Nicolas Di Franco(10-4-1)
Bantamweight Showcase Bout: Taylor Lapilus (21-4) vs. Ali Taleb (12-1)
PFL Europe Bantamweight Tournament Bout: Mahio Campanella (7-1) vs. Matiss Zaharovs (7-3)
PFL Europe Showcase Bout: Patrice Evra (0-0) vs. TBA
PFL Europe Bantamweight Tournament Bout: Dean Garnett (12-3-1) vs. Alexander Luster (9-2)
PFL Europe Bantamweight Tournament Bout: Anas Azizoun (5-1) vs. Gustavo Oliveira (10-2)
PFL Europe Bantamweight Tournament Bout: Julien Lopez (7-4-1) vs. Jan Ciepłowski (8-0)
PFL Europe Featherweight Showcase Bout: Adam Meskini (9-3) vs. Tiziano Ferranti (10-1)
PFL Europe Welterweight Showcase Bout: Salvo Giudice (1-0) vs. Brice Belghazi (1-1)
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league world-wide. PFL is the only MMA organization with the “win and advance” format. PFL is broadcast and streamed to 190 countries with 20 leading media partners. PFL is backed by major blue-chip investors including SURJ, Ares, Knighthead, Luxor Capital, Waverley Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, 885 Capital, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. MMA is the growth sport business of this decade, with 650 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demographic, and true global revenue streams.
PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)
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Read More Margarete Kucera