Manchester United legend Patrice Evra is set to enter a completely different arena in just a few weeks.
In a move that surprised many, PFL Europe recently announced that Patrice Evra will make his mixed martial arts (MMA) debut on May 23rd.
His opponent and weight class are still unconfirmed, but the former Champions League winner is scheduled to compete at the Accor Arena in Paris.
To prepare, Evra has sought assistance from PFL fighters Cedric Doumbe and Brendan Loughnane. He also received support from Khabib Nurmagomedov.
However, the 43-year-old Frenchman`s connection to combat sports dates back years to when he shared the cage with one of the UFC`s most exciting strikers.
Years Before PFL, Evra Showed Punching Power to Michael `Venom` Page
In a November 2019 video, Patrice Evra met Michael `Venom` Page for an interview and a short training session.
The two discussed their careers and competitive mindsets. At the time, Page was preparing for his Bellator London fight, where he defeated Gianni Melillo in under two minutes.
After discussing their shared passion for Manchester United, they moved to a physical session. Evra stood on a bench to face off with the 6`3″ welterweight.
Page showed Evra his iconic flying knee knockout of Evangelista `Cyborg` Santos, which Evra admired, especially the memorable celebration that followed.
Then, the former left-back put on gloves, and Page taught him some boxing fundamentals, including footwork, breath control, and combinations.
Even without pads, after landing a few punches, Page was impressed by the power the former soccer star generated, despite having retired earlier that year.
The striking expert praised Evra`s power. Evra then commented that this could be the first of several training sessions together.
Neither of them knew at the time that Evra`s MMA debut would come about six years later, with him entering the SmartCage on May 23rd.
“I will maybe come and train with you one day because I love that.”
Evra`s Earlier Experiences with Fighting
In the same interview, Patrice Evra shared that learning techniques from Michael `Venom` Page wasn`t his first time throwing punches.
When Page asked about his beginnings in martial arts, Evra briefly mentioned his fighting experiences as a child.
“Why straight into fighting because I love to fight when I was a kid. I done some kickboxing in the street but I didn’t like go anymore, I just play football.”
Evra also mentioned he sometimes boxed while still an active soccer player, finding it helped release frustration and aggression.
“Before the training session, I was going down, doing some boxing and everything and to be fair, when we start the session, I was like more aggressive. I was tackling and we did that just to wake up all your aggression so you have to switch.”
