Former Premier League player set for MMA debut … and calls out old foe Suarez

Patrice Evra, the former Manchester United and France defender, is set to make his mixed martial arts (MMA) bow in Paris next month and has targeted Luis Suarez as potential opponent.

Evra, who won five Premier League titles and a Champions League during an eight-year stint at Old Trafford, will take part in a “showcase bout” at Accor Arena on 23 May, although his opponent has not yet been announced.

The 43-year-old was involved in several high-profile incidents with Suarez while the Uruguayan, now plying his trade with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, was a Liverpool player.

In November 2011, Suarez was charged by the Football Association with racially abusing Evra in a draw between Liverpool and United at Anfield and was subsequently banned for eight matches.

BREAKING: I’m officially training for my first fight with @PFLEurope. They will pick my opponent…
They asked who I wanna face. I said:
Luis Suárez.

I’ll pay out of pocket.
He can even bite me.

— Patrice Evra (@Evra) April 25, 2025

The feud was exacerbated a few months later when Suarez, having served his ban, refused to shake Evra’s hand as the players lined up before kick-off in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford, which United won.

Suarez was at the centre of further controversy after biting Chelsea player Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League game and Italy’s Georgio Chiellini in a 2014 World Cup group stage match.

On social media, Evra, who has been training for the event alongside friend and Professional Fighters League (PFL) star Cedric Doumbe, wrote: “BREAKING: I’m officially training for my first fight with @PFLEurope . They will pick my opponent … They asked who I wanna face. I said: Luis Suárez. I’ll pay out of pocket. He can even bite me.”

In a statement, Evra added: “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.” Evra said in a statement.

“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.”